Feds Green Lights Artificial Food Colors

There's not enough evidence that artificial food coloring causes hyperactivity in children, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel that probed the issue last week.

As a result, the panel declined to recommend that the FDA require warning labels on food products containing synthetic dyes. Though the FDA is not required to follow an advisory panel's advice, it usually does.

The food dye review was triggered by petitions from the Center for Science in the Public Interest and other groups that argued the presence of artificial colors in foods was a major contributor to the increase in behavioral disorders in children.

'No useful value'

CSPI maintains that Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and other dyes have no useful nutritional or preservative value, claiming their only function is cosmetic, making colorless food more attractive.

The food industry hailed the decision.

"The safety of artificial colors has been affirmed through extensive review by the Food & Drug Administration, via the food additive review process, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and neither agency sees the need to change current policy," the Grocery Manufacturers Association said in a statement.  "All of the major safety bodies globally have reviewed the available science and have determined that there is no demonstrable link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity among children."

GMA said its member companies devotes "enormous resources" to making sure its products are safe, and continuously review and monitor scientific studies on the issue. Even so, at least one grocery chain is putting distance between itself and artificial food dyes.

Banned at Whole Foods

"In light of increased public awareness of and FDA hearings about artificial food dyes, Whole Foods Market reminds shoppers that its strict quality standards have prohibited artificial food colorings since the 1980s," the company said in a statement.

Whole Foods Market said it offers products that are not only free of artificial colorings, but also free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and other prohibited additives in the company's 304 stores.

"Our quality standards prohibit artificial colors because of our deep commitment to selling the highest quality natural and organic foods," said Joe Dickson, global quality standards coordinator. "Our shoppers rely on us to set high standards so they can shop with peace of mind, and artificial colors are not consistent with our vision for natural and organic food."