Artificial Food Dyes, A Concern?

Ever wonder what exactly that suspiciously eponymous “Yellow 5” ingredient listed on your child’s package of M&M’s was and how it might be impacting their health? You’re not the only one. Artificial food dyes, which have long been considered to be a benign addition to many common foods such as candy, salad dressing, and waffles, are now under scrutiny for their potential link to hyperactivity in children.

A Food and Drug Administration panel met last week amidst growing concern from some scientists and consumer advocates regarding the potentially dangerous impact that the all-too-common food dyes may be having on attention-lacking children.

In a memo the FDA said that food dyes may be an issue primarily “for certain susceptible children with ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] and other problem behaviors… The data suggest that their condition may be exacerbated by exposure to a number of substances in food, including, but not limited to, artificial food colors.” [Wall Street Journal]