Latest news with #AlluraRed
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Donut Safety Alert: Health Risks of Artificial Colors
food safety Donuts, a popular treat among children, have been found unsafe following a recentand drug department test. The test revealed that excessive use of artificial colors in donuts exceeds the approved safety limits. This poses potential adverse effects on health, including allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and other long-term issues. Authorities have raised concerns over the widespread use of these harmful additives in the food to an official, five donut samples were tested, and one was reported to be harmful to health. The report emphasises the urgent need for stricter regulations and quality checks in the manufacturing of such food items. Artificial colours like Red 40, Allura Red, Yellow 5, and Tartrazine are commonly used to make donuts more visually appealing. A senior department official stated that these colors are harmful to health, particularly for children whose immune systems and health are more vulnerable to these chemicals. Hence, the Food Safety Department has advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing food items, particularly those marketed toward children, and urged food manufacturers to adhere to safety standards.
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Food dyes may cause anxiety, hyperactivity, mood swings among kids, warn doctors
Doctors in the UAE are warning that food dyes can cause hyperactivity, mood swings and irritability in some children and teenagers. The concern has once again gained attention following the recent announcement by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about new plans to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from food supply. Research indicates that food dyes can contribute to hyperactivity and mood issues among young people. If consumed regularly, dyed foods could also make children feel more anxious and high-strung. Dr Fatma Mohamed Mahmoud Ibrahim, specialist pediatrics, Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, said, 'Studies like the Southampton study and reviews by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that some food dyes, especially when combined with preservatives, may worsen these behaviors. Recently, the FDA has started to review these findings more seriously. "In the UAE, we are seeing similar patterns as children's diets have more processed foods and snacks containing these dyes. A study by UAE University has also raised concerns about this, although, we still need more research to understand the full long-term impact on our local population.' Synthetic dyes common in children's products Medics explained synthetic food dyes are very common in the UAE, especially in products aimed at kids, 'like candies, colorful cereals, juices, and bakery items. Many products still use dyes like Tartrazine (E102), Sunset Yellow (E110), and Allura Red (E129),' added Ibrahim. Notably, in a social media post earlier this year, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment UAE (MOCCEUAE) emphasised ongoing updates to technical standards to protect consumer health. They stated that UAE regulations set safe limits for colourant additives based on risk assessments and global standards. Imported foods also undergo strict inspections and testing with local authorities to ensure safety. Worsening food consumption patterns Dr Mamata Bothra, specialist pediatrics and neonatologist, International Modern Hospital Dubai, said, 'Food dyes can definitely worsen signs of hyperactivity and also make some children more agitated.' Healthcare experts highlighted studies have shown associations between exposure to synthetic food dyes and the exacerbation of symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 'I have seen a rise in these cases in recent years and exposure to food dyes in the early years is also seen to be causing a rise in these symptoms. Children consuming percentage of food with artificial dyes is three to four times more than seen in late 90s and early years of 2000. These effects can have long time implication in terms of behaviour. Lots of mood swings, agitations, increase in anxiety, decreased focus and sleep disorders are seen in children consuming high percentage of these food stuff. "Overall, everywhere the use of synthetic dyes has increased. The availability of packed foods, consumption of aerated coloured drinks, fast foods, candies etc are all on a rise,' added Bothra. Dr Fatma Mohamed Mahmoud Ibrahim, specialist pediatrics, Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, said, 'While specific UAE-wide data on this topic is still emerging, the high availability of processed foods in our markets makes this concern highly relevant.' However, doctors pointed out most of the time, the effects are short-term. Symptoms like restlessness, mood swings, and poor concentration often happen within a few hours after eating foods with dyes. However, if children keep eating these foods regularly, it could add up over time and affect their long-term behavior and learning issues. 'Parents play a crucial role…they should carefully check food labels, opt for natural color alternatives, and reduce the overall consumption of highly processed foods. Creating a healthier, dye-free diet can significantly improve a child's behavior, learning ability, and overall wellbeing,' added Ibrahim.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are food dyes getting banned in the US and why? What know to about 8 dyes being phased out
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr announced plans to remove certain artificial dyes from the U.S. food and drug supply on April 22, taking a step toward fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared intentions to "phase out" petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of next year during a press conference in which Kennedy called the additives "poison," saying, "For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent." While the FDA has said that "the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them," food advocates have commended the move, saying it's a step in the right direction. Here's what to know about the dyes that the FDA is looking to remove from American food. The FDA announced on April 22 that they will "phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply" by the end of 2026. However, no formal agreement or legislation was passed officially banning the substances. Instead, HHS and the FDA have a "mutual understanding" with the food industry that the dyes will be progressively removed, according to Kennedy. During an April 22 press conference, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency intends to revoke approvals for certain dyes and work alongside industry leaders to achieve elimination of the additives. A press statement released by the FDA also said it is working to "establish a national standard and timeline for the transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives," but did not further specify formal regulatory or legislative actions. A statement from the watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), however, called the agreement's voluntary nature "disappointing" for its lack of "rulemaking." "Because using synthetic food dyes has always been voluntary, there is no incentive from today's announcement for manufacturers to switch to natural food colors." The FDA will authorize four new natural color additives and partner with the National Institutes of Health to conduct research on "how food additives impact children's health and development," according to the HHS. Studies have been done on the impacts of commonly used synthetic food dyes, some of which have found links to conditions like cancer, ADHD and organ damage. However, a universal scientific consensus on how much dye has to be consumed to prove a definitive cause-and-effect link between it and these health conditions has yet to be reached. As a result, different countries have implemented different rules over time as the scientific community learns more about the potential correlation between food additives and health. Red Dye 40 (Allura Red or FD&C Red No. 40): Creates a dark red color and is commonly used in candy, cereals, sports drinks, frosting, condiments, gelatin, jams and more. Yellow Dye 5 (Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5): A lemon-yellow color often found in candy, cereal, soft drinks, popcorn, yogurt, juices, spices and more. Yellow Dye 6 (Sunset Yellow or FD&C Yellow No. 6): An orange-yellow dye used in candy, sauces, baked goods, preserved fruit, cheese, soups, cereals and more. Blue Dye 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF or FD&C Blue No. 1): Creates a greenish-blue color seen in ice cream, canned peas, soups, popsicles, icing, confections, dairy products and more. Blue Dye 2 (Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue No. 2 or Indigotine): A royal blue color commonly found in candy, ice cream, cereal, snacks, sausages, maraschino cherries and more. Green Dye 3 (Fast Green FCF or FD&C Green No. 3): A forest green dye often found in canned vegetables, cereal, candy, ice cream, salad dressing, soft drinks and more. Also coming within months is an action to remove the use of: Citrus Red 2 (C.I. Solvent Red 80): Is used only to color the skin of oranges in the U.S., specifically Florida oranges. It is used to make the skins a more vibrant color but is now allowed to be used on the inner, edible parts of the fruit. Orange B (C.I. Acid Orange 137): Is again used only for one purpose: hot dog and sausage casings. The dye itself is also no longer made in the U.S., limiting its use even further. Some dyes that have been banned in the U.S. are still used in other countries like Canada and those in the European Union, while some still used in the U.S. are banned in other such countries. Some food dyes already banned from the US include: Red No. 3: was already in the process of being phased out in the U.S. thanks to a Biden-era order mandating it be removed by Jan. 15, 2027. The new administration has since asked that this deadline be moved up. Reds 1, 2, 4 and 32: Banned in 1961, 1976 and 1956, for potential (but disputed) links to cancer and organ damage. Yellows 1, 2, 3 and 4: Were all banned in 1959 after they were potentially linked to lesions and heart damage. Violet 1: Banned in 1973 due to suspected link to cancer. Orange 1 and 2: Banned in 1956 and 1960 for potential links to organ damage. Green 1 and 2: Both banned in 1965 due to a potential link to cancer. Sudan 1 and Butter Yellow: Banned in 1919 after it was found to be toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Some U.S. states were already moving toward removing some food dyes separate from the federal government. Red 3, for example, was banned in California, along with Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, via a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2024. The most popular food dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, according to Healthline. These three make up 90% of all the food dye used in the U.S. According to the FDA, food coloring is used to: Offset color loss due to exposure to light, air, temperature extremes, moisture and storage conditions. Correct natural variations in color. Enhance colors that occur naturally. Provide color to colorless and "fun" foods. Because natural dyes are less shelf-stable than artificial ones, some food products may look different after the proposed switch is made. Naturally derived coloring is more susceptible to fading and degradation when exposed to elements like heat, light and air, so while foods may have the same general color profile, you may notice they appear less vibrant. Natural dyes are also generally more expensive to make and use, so companies changing their formulas to adhere to the FDA's requests may have to make adjustments to preserve their bottom line, though it is unclear if these additional costs could be passed on to the consumer. Contributing: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY; Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See full list of food dyes being phased out in the US, says RFK, Jr.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
What is 'Red 40,' food dye banned by FDA and RFK Jr?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned Red Dye No. 40 in food and drinks, citing growing evidence that the artificial colouring may contribute to hyperactivity and behavioural issues in children. Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red, has been a staple in children's snacks for decades, brightening cereals, candies, and drinks with vivid red hues. But amid increasing scrutiny, the FDA has now prohibited its use, triggering a major shift in the food industry. The agency said its decision followed new research showing potential links between the dye and neurobehavioral changes in children, including hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and attention issues. A 2022 meta-analysis reviewing 25 studies found consistent behavioural effects in some children following consumption of Red 40. Although not all children are affected, the FDA concluded the risks outweigh the benefits of using the dye. Officials also noted allergic and inflammatory responses in animal studies, strengthening the case for a ban. European regulators had long required warning labels on products containing Red 40. The FDA's new ban goes further, removing the ingredient entirely from the U.S. market. Products impacted include cereals like Froot Loops, candies such as Skittles, and beverages including fruit punches and sports drinks. Red 40 has also been used in baked goods, flavoured snacks, condiments, and even some vitamin drinks. Manufacturers are already preparing to reformulate products using natural colourants. These include plant-based alternatives such as beet juice, carrot extract, spirulina, and paprika. Companies like Kellogg's and Mars, Inc. are among those exploring natural replacements. Food scientists say natural colourings may produce subtler shades than artificial dyes, but they expect minimal impact on flavour or texture. The move has been widely praised by parents and paediatricians. Many parents who had already removed Red 40 from their children's diets reported noticeable improvements in behaviour, sleep, and focus. The American Academy of Pediatrics welcomed the FDA's action, calling it a win for child health. Still, experts advise parents to consider other factors such as sugar and sleep that can also affect behaviour. The FDA's decision marks a shift in public health policy, acknowledging consumer concerns and scientific findings. While foods may look a little less vibrant, many families see the change as a positive step towards safer nutrition for children.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RFK Jr. plans to ban all petroleum-based synthetic food dyes, including red dye No. 40. Here's what health experts have said about them.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will announce Tuesday a ban on all petroleum-based artificial food dyes in the nation's food supply — a move that is considered a key part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda. In January, before President Joe Biden left office, the Food and Drug Administration announced it was revoking its authorization of red dye No. 3, which is used in some foods and medications and was one of nine FDA-approved synthetic dyes made from petroleum. Kennedy is expected to announce that the Trump administration intends to phase out the remaining eight artificial food dyes, including red dye No. 40, within two years. Red dye No. 40, aka Allura Red, is one of the most commonly used synthetic food dyes in the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist at MedStar Health, tells Yahoo Life. 'The FDA approved red dye No. 40 for use in food in 1971, and it is currently used to enhance the appearance of various sodas, cereals, baked goods and other foods,' she says. Red dye No. 40 has been deemed safe for consumption by the FDA, European Food Safety Authority and other regulatory bodies, as long as the intake stays below the established acceptable daily intake (ADI), Scott Keatley, a registered dietitian and co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, tells Yahoo Life. 'Both major organizations have listed this product at 7 mg/kg/day as acceptable intake,' Keatley says. 'This means that an individual weighing 70 kg (154 lbs.) could theoretically consume up to 490 milligrams of red dye No. 40 daily without expected adverse effects, according to these guidelines.' Keatley also points out that ADIs 'are set with a significant safety margin and are intended for lifetime exposure.' In other words, several major organizations have deemed red dye No. 40 as safe for consumption. Other common food dyes — including yellow dyes Nos. 5 and 6, blue dyes Nos. 1 and 2 and green dye No. 3 — are synthetic additives, Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Life. The dyes are widely used, likely because they're inexpensive, Alan says. But some companies have completely shifted away from synthetic dyes and instead focused on natural food coloring, like curcumin, carotenes, paprika and anthocyanins, Johnson-Arbor says. Unfortunately, these have their own challenges. 'Although these food-coloring agents are derived from natural sources, they do have some disadvantages when compared to synthetic dyes,' she says. 'Natural food colors may be less colorful in appearance, more costly to produce and less shelf-stable than their synthetic counterparts and foods colored with some natural colors may be less desirable to consumers because of these factors.' The dyes can be found all over. 'Synthetic food dyes are used in various types of foods that we consume every day, including baked goods, dairy products and certain fruit products,' Johnson-Arbor says. 'Synthetic food dyes are also used to give pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements, including cough syrups, liquid pain relievers, allergy medications and gummy vitamins a desirable appearance.' Synthetic food colors are 'frequently' added to children's medications, she adds. Some big-name products where synthetic dyes can be found include: Skittles M&M's Trix Lucky Charms Froot Loops Apple Jacks Some Pop-Tarts Tylenol PM Children's Tylenol Research into all of these dyes is ongoing, but there is some data to suggest they're not great for your health. The biggest link is between the dyes and behavioral issues in children. A report published by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in 2021 analyzed data from human and animal studies and concluded that synthetic food dyes are linked with hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems in children. Those studies included observational studies (where researchers tried to link health outcomes with the dyes) along with 'challenge studies,' where kids were asked to avoid dyes for a few weeks and then given products with dyes added to them. The researchers discovered that, while not all kids were impacted by the synthetic dyes, some were more likely than others to act out after having them. The researchers ultimately found that 16 out of 25 studies analyzed found a link between kids who had the dyes and poor behavior. That link was also considered statistically significant in more than half of the studies. 'I expect that this decision will open up the conversation around other dyes,' Alan says. 'Red dye No. 40 can still cause behavioral disruptions, especially in children. Currently, it is not listed as a carcinogen, but it does contain benzene, which has been correlated with cancer.' But Keatley says that synthetic dyes don't necessarily need to be demonized. Instead, he recommends that people consider the context for their use. Natural dyes, he notes, "can be less stable and more expensive to produce," which makes synthetic options preferable in some cases. Synthetic dyes like blue No. 1 or yellow No. 5, 'are generally safe within regulatory limits but may sometimes cause allergic reactions or behavioral issues in susceptible individuals,' Keatley adds. 'While 'natural is better' is a useful generalization, it's critical to balance this with practicality, stability and individual tolerance,' he says. Alan, though, says that phasing out synthetic dyes from the food supply was inevitable. 'There is no benefit to synthetic dyes — other than profit — and there is no acceptable use for these,' she says.
