Kennedy Declares Nationwide Prohibition on Oil-Derived Food Dyes
The Health Minister, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to declare on Tuesday a prohibition on all oil-derived artificial colourings present in food products across the country. This critical step is a significant part of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again mission. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, before the presidency of Joe Biden concluded, revealed the withdrawal of its consent given to the usage of red dye No. 3. This dye, utilized in certain food preparations and medications, was previously one among nine FDA-licensed synthetic dyes derived from petroleum.
Kennedy is anticipated to reveal that the preceding Trump administration planned to gradually banish the remaining eight artificial food dyes, inclusive of red dye No. 40, within a span of two years. Allura Red or red dye No. 40 is one of the most frequently employed synthetic food colourings in the U.S. and Canada. The FDA initially permitted the use of red dye No.40 in food products back in 1971. Today, it is a widespread practice to use this dye in order to improve the visual appeal of a variety of foods encompassing different drinks, cereals, baked items, and more.
Red dye No. 40, though seen as safe for consumption by the FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and other similar regulatory organizations, is recommended to be consumed within a limited acceptable daily intake (ADI). Several other frequently used food dyes, such as yellow dyes Nos. 5 and 6, blue dyes Nos. 1 and 2, and green dye No. 3, are all synthetic additives. These colourants have attained popularity mainly because they are financially more affordable.
However, an increasing number of companies are veering away from synthetic dyes and are choosing natural food colourings like curcumin, carotenes, paprika, and anthocyanins. Synthetic food dyes are integrated into a vast range of foods we consume daily, namely baked goods, dairy items, and select fruit products. Their usage is not limited to edibles, but they are also employed to provide an appealing appearance to medicinal products and dietary supplements such as cough syrups, liquid pain relief medications, allergy medications, and gummy vitamins.
The studies focusing on these synthetic dyes are ongoing, but preliminary data indicate that they may not have beneficial influences on one’s health. Of particular is the significant correlation identified between these dyes and behavioural issues noted in children. A report put forth by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in 2021 studied the data from human and animal research. It concluded that these artificial food dyes have potential links to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children. These studies included both observational and challenge research.
Kennedy’s decision is likely to fuel the discussions pertaining to other synthetic dyes. Particularly, red dye No. 40, while not officially classed as carcinogenic, can potentially lead to behavioural disruptions, predominantly in the younger population. A significant attribute of red dye No. 40 is that it does contain traces of benzene, a compound that has established links with cancer.
Other synthetic dyes such as blue No. 1 and yellow No. 5 are generally considered safe if maintained within the regulatory limitations. However, they have been found to trigger allergic reactions or behavioural concerns in individuals who are more susceptible. The option of natural dyes, even though they offer similar hues and are less likely to lead to adverse reactions, are more unstable and costlier to manufacture, pushing many producers to opt for their synthetic counterparts.
However, the decision to purge synthetic dyes from the food market was an eventuality waiting to occur. The lack of any demonstrable plus side to the use of synthetic dyes, besides the financial benefits, has resulted in their dwindling acceptance. Overall, it should be noted that the limited usefulness of these artificial substances doesn’t justify their inclusion in the food chain.