The Artificial Food Dye Debate Continues

CNN reported last week that the Food and Drug Administration decided there is currently insufficient evidence to support a link between artificial food dyes and ADHD in children. However, the FDA did emphasize that more research is needed on the issue and that they believe there is a trend in food dyes and negative side effects in children.

In light of the current uncertainty surrounding the fate of food dyes we have to wonder, would banning them take some of the color out of life? The food community is divided. Kantha Shelke, a food chemist and spokeswoman for the Institute of Food Technologists opined, “Color is such a crucial part of the eating experience that banning dyes would take much of the pleasure out of life.” Eric Ripert of NYC’s Le Bernardin said that he never uses artificial colors “Food doesn’t need to be colored … I’m all for natural and good-quality products not altered by anything.” Beloved Billy’s Bakery in NYC is on a quest to find an alternative source of color for its famous red velvet cupcakes, regardless of the FDA’s decision, commenting “we’re trying different things at the moment,” and that beet juice is making a strong showing. [Grub Street]