Candy grains. Neon pickles. Folded peas. Many folk foods get the eye attractiveness from artificial dyes. Synthetic dyes are just what it looks: artificial coloring used in food products to make them appear attractive to children and adults.
Recently, artificial dyes have become a soft theme. You may have seen the topic floating on the surface in the news or on social media.
Some of what you see can be very worrying, so it is understood if you wonder if some of the basic foodstuffs of the grocery store may be harmful to your health.
As a registered dietitian, I am here to share facts about artificial food dyes and their potential effects.
What are artificial food dyes?
Synthetic food dyes are often derived from petroleum chemicals (1).
Several artificial dyes are approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Sall (1and 2).
Some of the most common artificial food dyes (10) It includes:
- Red 3 (Erythrosine): Red cherry.
- Red 40 (Allura Red): Dark red dye.
- Yellow 5 (Tartrazin): Yellow lemon dye.
- Yellow 6 (yellow sunset): Yellow orange.
- Blue 1 (glossy blue): Green blue tincture.
- Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine): Royal blue color.
- Green 3 (fast green): Green herbal dye.
FDA (FDA) has recently banned the use of RED 3 in foods, nutritional supplements and oral medicines, but the companies until January 2027 or 2028 to remove the dye from their products (14).
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EFSA still agree to the use of RED 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 and Blue 2 ((12). Some other dyes are approved by one organizational body, but not the other. RED 40 is the most used food dye (3).
These artificial colors can appear in foods like (11):
- Breakfast pills
- Baked, packed goods
- Maintain fruits
- Ice cream
- Jarred pickles
- Uploaded soup
- Hails
- Candy and fruit manipulation
- Spices and sauces
- Cheese flavored snacks
- Delicious snacks, such as flavored popcorn and chips
- Frozen drinks
- Sports and soft drinks
- Fake gels in doctrine and vens
Since 2010, artificial dyes in Europe carry a warning sign, “may have a negative impact on children’s activity and interest in children” (5).
There is no equivalent signs system in the United States. This is because there is not enough evidence to consider the approved dyes that are unsafe, according to the FDA (FDA) (FDA)12).
Possible health effects of artificial food dyes
Some research has sparked possible concerns about artificial food dyes. This research indicates this Synthetic dyes may affect the behavior of children ((6).
For example, the 2021 report issued by Oh -Oh in California has made behavioral issues such as hyperactivity in children (7). A review of 2024 of 15 study indicates that artificial food dyes may harm health. Again, these risks are a greater source of concern for children (8).
Because of research on its potential behavioral effects, California banned six artificial dyes in public schools in 2024. This was known as the name California food safety law. Since then, 11 similar legislation has been presented prohibiting some foodstuffs and additives (15and 16).
Daily acceptable sockets of these dyes were determined decades ago, before the latest research (6). The latest studies indicate this The current acceptable daily sockets may be adjusted to childrenWho may be more likely to the possible effects of the food (food)6).
In 2018, a report issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics urged safety review (9). More research is needed to understand the potential effect of food dyes.
What does all this mean for you?
In the absence of conclusive research on the possible health effects of artificial dyes,, You may want to think about reducing them, especially if you feed children, as a preventive measure. Fortunately, this has become easier, with many natural -colored foods entered the market.
If you want to be familiar with artificial food dyes
Here is what you can do if you want to reduce artificial food dyes in your diet:
- Choose whole foodsReducing the consumption of very treated foods and focusing on a diet rich in full healthy foods. This will automatically reduce artificial food dyes with an additional reward for improving public health.
- Be aware ofCheck food stickers. Select dyes in your food products, search or start natural alternatives.
- Children’s science about healthy eatingShow them how to make food options. This will help them understand the reason you turn into new options for some snacks.
- Normal Go toThanks to the shoppers who ask for this, foods dyed with natural ingredients are available in most grocery stores. You can also try natural alternatives to add color and flavor to food at home, such as:
- Blue Spirulina (blue)
- Red beet powder (red)
- Turmeric or carrot (orange)
- Saffron (yellow orange)
- The berries such as berries and berries (pink, blue and purple)
- Red cabbage (blue)
- Macha or spinach (green)
Each natural nature will have a little different preparatory methods. You can find it easily online. This is an enjoyable activity for children, and they learn how they can color food without using artificial dyes.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce artificial dyes for you and your family.
Artificial food dyes are a hot theme for health consumers. Some people choose to reduce artificial food dyes in their diet because research indicates that these dyes may have unwanted effects, especially for children. More search is needed.
It may not be realistic for you to eliminate artificial dyes from your diet completely. So, enjoy candy, drink, or other foods in moderation, whether they have natural or artificial ingredients. This is a balance!
The post What a dietitian wants to know about artificial dyes first appeared on the MyfitnessPal blog.