FDA to determine food dye safety

WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the research linking synthetic food dyes to behavioral problems in children, a non-profit group says.

Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, says the dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and other dyes have no useful nutritional or preservative value and their only function is cosmetic.

"By 'cosmetic,' I mean that dyes are often used to make junk food more attractive to young children, or to simulate the presence of a healthful fruit or other natural ingredient," Jacobson says in a statement. "Surprisingly, even foods that aren't particularly colorful -- such as instant mashed potatoes or pickles -- are dyed.

"The evidence that these dyes made from petrochemicals worsen some children's behavior is convincing, and I hope that the FDA's advisory committee will advise the agency to both require warning notices and encourage companies voluntarily to switch to safer natural colorings," Jacobson says.

"Having brightly colored Froot Loops, Skittles, Mountain Dews, or pickles or anything else just isn't worth putting any children at risk," he says.