FDA to Review Artificial Colors in Foods

Americans enjoy eating their share of junk foods even though these contain artificial colors and flavors that may be unhealthy. Many such products are available in every grocery store.

In 2008 the Centers for Science in the Public Interest expressed concerns about popular food items that contain artificial colors consumers would prefer to avoid. The CSPI petitioned the Food and Drug Administration about the concerns of using Yellow 5, Red 40 and more food dyes that some studies claim impair the behavior of children. Almost 3 years later The FDA will have more advisory committee meetings about these issues.

One issue presented by the Centers for Science in the Public Interest is the fact that many children in the USA are considered hyperactive. These children are often considered a behavioral problem and medicated so they will conform. If there is a possibility that the additives such as flavorings and colorings cause hyperactivity, eliminating these could solve many issues.

The complete article may be viewed on their website for more details. This information mentions Nutrigrain Bars sold in the United States contain artificial colors, which are accepted by the FDA. In Europe Nutrigrain Bars are produced without artificial colors. Residents of the United States could question why this is so.

Nutrigrain Bars are not the only product in a grocery store that contain artificial colors of some sort. The majority of products on store shelves contain colors and additives. Consumers can make a choice not to purchase these products.

Consumers looking for healthy alternatives to artificially colored and flavored foods may find such products in health food stores and often in the neighborhood grocery stores. Perhaps if more people avoided foods that are filled with chemicals to give favorable color, food producers would offer better choices.

Source:

CSPI