Don't feed me artificial colors either!

           Squawk!!!

You'll be sorry!!Or else! 

This is our sweet little conure.  I accidentally bought a supplemental fruit snack that looked completely organic, but it suprisingly had artifical colors.  After a week of crazy squawking and fierce biting from our beloved bird, I looked at the one thing I changed recently - the fruit supplement! I threw away the bag and this morning we have our sweet bird back!  No more evil biting, squawking, or odd behavior (like wanting to stay in his cage instead of playing with us).  I think it's time the pet industry looks into this.  It can't be good for these little critters either.  

Interesting!

   After reading a recent article, I was amazed at how far the industry has changed in removing artificial colors and the awareness of how harmful these ingredients really are. I encourage everyone to read the article below.  

 

David Kresser who is the FDA commissioner tells us first hand about the FDA's weak requirements for approving additives in our foods and how other countries ban the same ingredients that the FDA allows in ours. 

http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/flash-in-the-pan-fda-s-compromised-approval-process/article_8be75c72-dfc2-5f6f-897a-f978d7d3ab1b.html

Bye Bye Red Dye!!!

  Great News - Nestle is removing all artificial dyes and colors from its chocolate candies!!!
Below is the link to the article from Fox News:
http://www.foxreno.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/goodbye-artificial-colors-5205.shtml#.VPthCktvo4s

No Artificial Colors!
Bye bye….
Red dye 40, Yellow #5, Blue #1 ……….


   
    Thanks to the efforts of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and the demand from the public for healthier food options, we have all persuaded a major food giant to change its ingredients.  It doesn't stop here.  They plan to take it out of other food products based on the results of public opinion and demand.  This will lead to other major food companies being persuaded to remove artificial colors in their products.  This gives our children more choices!  

    Keep reading the food labels and look for products without artificial colors.  Let them know that we don't like having harmful artificial colors in our diet.  These artificial colors can cause behavioral problems in those susceptible to them.  Why have them in our foods?  They are only a cheap alternative for manufacturers to make cheap unhealthy products.  Remember money talks!  Buy the products that do not have artificial colors in them and more products will be made to satisfy the demand.   

Studies Reveal Artificial Colors can have a Negative Effect on Children's Behavior

     Finally, in the year 2014, what many parents have realized but were criticized for, the negative effects of artificial colors on children's behavior has finally been validated with research.  Also, many major food companies have recently taken out artificial colors from their products.  The real change and the factors leading this major movement is consumer demand.  We all have the power to influence change - whether we buy the food or not is a choice.  That choice determines whether or not manufacturers will continue to use harmful ingredients at the expense of our children, or to formulate healthier ingredients in their products.
*See the last link below to help make a difference*      


Below is a compilation of some of the latest research on Artificial colors with quotes following each link.    

/Artificial Food Colors and Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Symtoms/ Conclusions to Dye For

"AFCs are not a major cause of ADHD per se, but seem to affect children regardless of whether or not they have ADHD, and they may have an aggregated effect on classroom climate if most children in the class suffer a small behavioral decrement with additive or synergistic effects."


Are artificial food colorings worse for kids than sugar?
"A handful of clinical trials found that a small percentage of children experience attention problems and agressive behavior when they consume 35 mg a day of synthetic coloring, while a larger percentage experiences behavioral problems at doses of 100 mg a day or higher."

Purdue-study-Artificial dyes highest in beverages, cereal, and candy
"New research from Purdue University scientists has revealed the dye content of scores of packaged food products, some of which contain more than the 35 mg per serving that has been shown in certain trials to affect behavior among a small percentage of children."

First-ever Study Reveals Amounts of Food Dyes in Artificial Foods
"According to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, the findings are disturbing since the amounts of dyes found in even single servings of numerous foods—or combinations of several dyed foods—are higher than the levels demonstrated in some clinical trials to impair some children's behavior."


FDA Study on Artificial Colors:
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/FoodAdvisoryCommittee/UCM273033.pdf

LOblaw, major food producers move away from artificial colouring
"Mounting public concern has spurred several major companies to remove dyes from some of their foods. Kraft has removed the artificial yellow dye from some of its signature mac and cheese products, and General Mills has removed dyes from Trix and Yoplait Go-Gurt."

Petition - M&M Candies   "I also found out that many families were using an “elimination diet” to isolate and remove harmful ingredients -- particularly artificial dyes. By removing dyes like those found in M&M's, they were able to delay, reduce, and sometimes eliminate the need for medication."

Help to Ban Artificial Colors!

    Artificial colors are harmful!  They are used in almost every type of product today.  While producers claim that they use only the smallest amount of safe and approved food colors it is no relief to those who are sensitive to the dyes.  Artificial colors are derived from petroleum.  Some people are even allergic to the dyes and causes them to break out in hives - while others' reactions are even much more serious.  They can cause hyperactivity in some children, behavioral problems, depression, migraines, stomach aches, an increase in Tics (Tourette's Syndrome) and even cancer.


 

   

                     Happy Halloween!  

       Halloween can get a little tricky when your trying to stear clear of artificial colors, but I found some candy that won't even spook you!  It's called UNREAL and it stands up to it's name for sure.  The candy made by UNREAL is what they call - Unjunked.  No Artificial Colors, No Hydrogenateds, No Corn Syrups, No Preservatives, and No GMOs.  It has something unique as well - nutrition!  (5g of Fiber, 5g of Protein, 90mg of Sodium, 12g of Fat, and 17g of sugar, 200 Calories in a UNREAL Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar)  What's more is that it tastes great!
      UNREAL has so many different candies to choose from.  They turned some of the classic candies into something deserving to give to your kids and you!  Don't be deceived by the nutrition label because it still tastes like candy.  I am not an advertiser for them or affiliated with them in any way.  They gave me some free candy to try and my family liked it so much that I'm returning the favor.  Thank You UNREAL for the box of candy and for making our Halloween a happy one!  

  
   http://getunreal.com/unreal-candy/?gclid=CO3JprivnbMCFQkFnQodHF8Aqg

Where is the Scientific Research linking Behavior to Red Dye 40???

I recently got a comment from someone who was very unhappy about not showing enough scientific research to educate people about the harmful nature of synthetic dyes and the harmful effects on behavior.  Here is the comment I received, ...

   "I hope everyone realizes that testimonials are NOT SCIENCE. Those these stories are touching, they do not prove Red 40 caused anything. I'm interested in the science. Are there peer reviewed scientific papers that link Red 40 to behavioural issues. If so, please post so that I may learn something and take actions if necessary. If not, then all this testimonial stuff is pure junk. DO NOT TAKE MEDICAL/NUTRITIONAL ADVICE FROM TESTOMINIALS. USE SCIENCE!!!I hope everyone realizes that testimonials are NOT SCIENCE. Those these stories are touching, they do not prove Red 40 caused anything. I'm interested in the science. Are there peer reviewed scientific papers that link Red 40 to behavioural issues. If so, please post so that I may learn something and take actions if necessary. If not, then all this testimonial stuff is pure junk. DO NOT TAKE MEDICAL/NUTRITIONAL ADVICE FROM TESTOMINIALS. USE SCIENCE!!!"


So, in my attempt to include some scientific evidence I wrote the following comments:    
"The New York Times published an article in September 2007, reporting on a study published in the Lancet and funded by Britain's Food Standards Agency that had “conclusively and scientifically confirmed a link between food additives and hyperactivity.”
Read more: http://technorati.com/women/article/artificial-colors-linked-to-behavioral-problems/#ixzz1qQdyhlBY 

Here is a little more on that:  http://blog.advantig.net/2009/10/why-advantig-products-dont-contain-artificial-colors-preservatives/ 

"Despite concerns with the British study, European lawmakers now require a warning label on foods that contain artificial dyes. It lets parents know their kids might become hyperactive if they consume the product." http://www.npr.org/2011/03/30/134962888/fda-probes-link-between-food-dyes-kids-behavior
"Some of the studies are difficult or imperfect. ... But there is this body of literature that does suggest that food colorings are not as benign as people have been led to believe."
- Andrew Adesman, developmental and behavioral pediatrics expert

Here is more information and maybe more than you would like to read...
http://nah.sagepub.com/content/3/3/137.full.pdf+html
As you can see the scientific research on this subject has left many people uneasy on this subject. While we wait for the scientific research to formulate a very valid study, we are not going to idly sit by and watch our children (those who are sensitive to the dyes) become affected by these artificial colors. Removing the dyes from our child's diet proved a direct correlation to behavioral changes after consuming the artificial coloring (namely red dye 40 for our son).



"Research on pediatric behaviors can be difficult and expensive to conduct since it often involves regular and subjective assessments of children by parents and teachers who should be kept in the dark about the specifics of the test. And since the patents on the dyes expired long ago, manufacturers have little incentive to finance such research themselves." By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: March 29, 2011 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/health/policy/30fda.html


Today, after more research, I found this...... 
[PPT] Food Dyes & Behavior


What angers me most about the harmful nature of artificial colors is the lack of scientific research.  While we wait for the scientific community to catch up, I plan to take action and buy products that do not contain these synthetic dyes.  After all, scientifically would anyone think that consuming petroleum products are beneficial?  What is the recommended limit of consuming these dyes?  Well, it's in virtually everything that can be produced these days so whether you are aware of it or not the American population is consuming more than the recommended limit.  

The Easter Bunny brings my kids dye-free candy!!!

Hippity, Hoppity, Easter's on it's way and the Easter Bunny is bringing my kids dye-free candy again - I'm sure of it!!!  In case you are wondering how the Easter Bunny makes dye-free candy,  you can find the same types of special candy and chocolates at the Natural Candy Store www.naturalcandystore.com, The Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, or The Red Dye Free Store (on this blog).  




 Our family makes Easter Eggs colored with Natural Dyes.  Better Homes and Gardens magazine had an article in the April 2012 issue about dyeing Easter eggs - "just simmer beets or apple peals.....soak the eggs from a few minutes to overnight to get an array of hues."  Look up BHG.com/eggdye to find out how to make more colors.  They have a printable guide to natural egg dyes from blue to pink!  

   You can also buy some food dyes
like this one.  We bought India Tree Natural Decorating colors a few years ago, but I need to buy more to keep on hand.  We bought this dye from The Whole Foods Market.  We used it to color our Easter Eggs and they came out very pastel colored - not the bright colored dye that you buy in the little kits that turn even the egg on the inside colors!  We like to avoid consuming artificial colors and we also enjoy the natural colors.  


I hope you all have a Happy Easter!  

Ban Artificial Synthetic Dyes in the United States

    Artificial Food Colorings are made of Petroleum.  Sounds good right?  Brightly colored foods and foods that wouldn't need artificial colors are being marketed to Americans in enormous amounts and certainly over the recommended limits set by the FDA - because collectively these dyes are found in so many items, bakery, pickles, drinks, foods, pharmaceuticals, shampoos, soaps, make-up and sprayed on fruits....etc.  Are they harmful?  You bet!  They have been known to cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, migraines, stomach aches, depression, and even Cancer!   This is becoming common knowledge, yet the majority of companies refuse to use natural ingredients because it is not as profitable.   Companies like Whole Foods Market that have higher standards, refuse to sell products with artificial colors.
    America needs to step up and ban these artificial colors.  The United Kingdom has banned them after learning that artificial colors can cause hyperactivity in children.  Many other countries have banned them as well.  While profit and greed are the motivating factors for these artificial colors to remain in the U.S., we need to carefully read labels and buy foods that do not contain these harmful ingredients.  We can not rely on companies who label their products as nutritious to really care about our well being.  For example, Nestle' has just removed all artificial colors and ingredients from their confectionery ingredients from their UK products but have left all of the artificial stuff for the United States.  Why?  Because we are still buying their crap.  The only way a company is going to change is if they have high moral standards and regard for health, or their profit is diminishing and they see a trend.
    Our family hasn't bought foods with artificial colors since 2009 and we are able to always find alternatives.  Watch out for your health and your family's by buying foods that are dye-free.  Let's make a difference in America.

The following is a list of links about the latest News and Postings about Artificial Colors:    

Avoiding Artificial Food Dyes - Why and How?

It's Time To Say No To Artificial Food Dyes

Synthetic Food Dyes Raising Health Concerns Among Doctors and Parents

FDA Approved Food Coloring - What You Are Really Eating

Kids Health and Nutrition - Coles Bans Added MSG and Artificial Colors

Food Dyes and Your Health

Nestle' Removes All Artificial Ingredients from All Confectionery Ingredients in the UK

Testimonials of Red Dye Free Blog Readers

This post is dedicated to all readers of Red Dye Free.  Here is a chance to tell others how learning about artificial colors has helped someone in your family.  Please leave a comment if you have something to share.  :)

Dye Free Candy for Holiday Shopping (or everyday)!

If you are looking to buy dye-free candy for your holiday shopping check out The Natural Candy Store:  http://naturalcandystore.com/?a=cvGx2Z




They have everything from dye-free candy canes to chocolate Santas!  They also have an alternative to M and M's !!!

The Truth about Artificial Colors

    Recently I received a comment from one of my readers, Ms. Kim.  She wrote a testimonial of how she learned about artificial color sensitivity  by seeing a difference in her son after he ate foods with synthetic artificial colors.  She was, like many people, taught or believed that parents were just using artificial colors as an excuse for poor parenting.  However, she learned through keeping a careful journal of the foods her son was eating that artificial colors was the cause of his worst behavior and how removing the dyes from his diet eliminated the symptoms immediately.  To read more click on the link below.
http://reddyefree.blogspot.com/2010/02/is-your-child-out-of-control.html?showComment=1322770656145#c3467337198792711855
    The CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) says the following, "There are also health reasons to be concerned about artificial colorings. The FDA has acknowledged that artificial food dyes, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, trigger hyperactivity and behavioral problems in some children. CSPI has also highlighted the cancer risks associated with certain caramel colorings, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are contaminated with carcinogens. In addition, some consumers are allergic to natural or synthetic color additives."  ( http://www.cspinet.org/new/201112081.html)  Please click on link to read more about artificial colors and how they decieve consumers.

Welch's 100% Juice is Not 100% Juice
Look at the ingredient label on the back.  It lists Red Dye 40 as one of the ingredients!  Why would you need to color real juice? 

Can you find Red 40 (Color) on the back of Welch's Ingredient List?

Apple & Eve Fruit Smarts has real ingredients and it is just as colorful!  The difference is that you are not drinking a synthetic artificial food dye.  This is the real deal. 

This is what I love to see:
Pledge of Purity:  This product is made with pure fruit juices.  There are no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial colors. 

Was there ever a day when juice was just juice?  Why do we have to, as consumers, watch out for dirty little tricks....like adding artificial colors to foods, drinks, beauty products, prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, and even health supplements.   The truth......
Money.  Colorful items sell and are cheaply made.  Don't be fooled into thinking or defending artificial colors - the majority in the food and drug industry would like you to believe they are important and necessary because it saves them money. 

Take a look at the Candy Canes in the Whole Foods Market made by tru sweets. They are colored with natural colors and SURPRISE - they look just as good!












Pure Fun Organic Candy Canes 
They look bright and yummy just like the Red Dye 40 colored ones without the harmful ingredients.

MYTH:  Without artificial colors, we would not have brightly colored foods.
TRUTH:  Natural food colors can be used as a healthy alternative.

MYTH:  Parents use artificial colors as an excuse for poor parenting.
TRUTH:  Artificial Synthetic Colors can cause behavioral problems in children and even adults who have a sensitivity to the dyes.

MYTH:  Artificial Colors are not harmful to the general public and FDA makes sure that we are not getting more than the recommended amounts of these dyes.
TRUTH:  Because artificial colors are now used in almost everything to make products either more appealing or to reduce production costs, there is no way of regulating how much of these dyes are being consumed by the consumer.  It is possible to get well over the recommended allowances for these artificial dyes.  CSPI has also highlighted the cancer risks associated with certain caramel colorings, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are contaminated with carcinogens.
Artificial dyes can cause other health problems in some individuals:  hives, stomach aches, headaches, migraines, behavioral problems, depression, and aggression. 

MYTH:  Individuals who are sensitive to the dyes won't show reaction to just a little bit of artificial colors.
TRUTH:  Even a small amount has shown to cause behavioral problems in individuals sensitive to the dyes. 

    Today, more and more doctors are becoming aware and alerted to the harmful risks of artificial colors, whereas as early as 2009 they were still following the advice of the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics leaving parents like myself frustrated at the lack of scientific data to tell us what we already knew - artificial colors can create behavioral problems in children who are sensitive to the dyes.  It is a relief to see the change of awareness and hopefully the finger pointing on improper parenting will come to an end on this issue. 
   
    Today there are more products than ever that label their products with "No Artificial Colors."  The consumer demand is creating a push to more healthier foods.  It is a misconception that consumers have that foods need these synthetic artificial petroleum based dyes derived from coal tar to make our foods more interesting and fun to eat.  Natural food dyes can and should be used.  Companies can use artificial colors to disguise the fact that there is actually little or no fruit in the product that they are selling.  These dyes are cost efficient for the producer at your risk.  Companies may also try to put carmine in foods to enhance red colors, but this is derived from the cochineal bug.  Consumers need to be more aware than ever about what is being put into the foods in the market.  What saves the producer money could be costing you your health.    

Do you need to find out if the food you are buying has artificial Colors in it?

    If you are looking for an easier way to find out if the food that you want to buy has artificial colors in it and would like to find alternative foods that have healthier ingredients, I recommend the Fooducate app.  With this app, you can scan the barcode of any food and find out what is really hiding in the ingredient list.  It gives each food a grade and a list of harmful ingredients (if any) that it contains.  For anyone who is new to avoiding artificial dyes, this app could be exactly what you need to make the right choices.  I am going to recommend this to everyone!  Way to go Fooducate!!!  Below is a link to their site and it shows what you will find on the new app.  If you have an iPod touch, iPad or an Android OS version 2.2 and up, you can find it in the app market place by the search term Fooducate.  It is also free at this time, so what are you waiting for?  Get on your phone and press download.  :)  

http://fooducate.com/index.html

Red Dye Free!: What are Artificial Colors? What to Look for.

Red Dye Free!: What are Artificial Colors? What to Look for.: The FDA categorizes food coloring into two groups. Natural and Artificial. There are seven artificial colors. These are Azo dyes that are...

Artificial Colors - It Doesn't Just Effect Children

    Children are not the only ones affected by red dye 40. Many adults never heard of or aren't willing to check into their diet to see if the things they are consuming are having an affect on them. I wonder how many marriages can be saved by people learning to stay away from the dyes that they are sensitive to. It can cause behavioral problems in adults. I believe that the best way to help our children is to find out more about ourselves. I realized that I was affected by red dye 40 as well. I would feel almost immediately irritable and I felt angry without a rational reason. People have the tendency to place blame on others for their behavior, but if you find yourself being excessively bothered by something that normally wouldn't effect you than it could be caused by consuming artificial colors - namely red dye 40. I would like to encourage people to look into their diet and see if there is a correlation between when they feel agitated, angry, or depressed and when they have consumed an artificial dye - red dye 40. If they are sensitive to it, then eliminating it would prove to be most beneficial in all aspects of their lives.

Red Dye Free!: A Check List: Could my child be affected by artificial colors?

Red Dye Free!: A Check List: Could my child be affected by artificial colors?

A Check List: Could my child be affected by artificial colors?

A Check List:  Could my child be affected by artificial colors? 
These are some symptoms that my child had due to artificial colors - mostly red dye 40.  If your child experiences any of these behaviors, you might want to try eliminating artificial colors.  Start with red dye 40.  I found a huge difference after removing this dye and the change was drastic and quick. 

• Acts aggressively from time to time
• Acts irrationally 
• Hits or kicks and has trouble calming down
• Time outs don't seem to work
• Disciplining doesn't seem to work
• Repeats bad behavior sporadically and you never know what might set him or her off
• Seems depressed
• Has low self-esteem
• Has poor motor coordination - poor handwriting, dysgraphia
• Child feels upset about how he or she acted and felt sad about feeling out of control
• Has increased hyper-activity
• Acts differently at birthday parties after eating artificially colored cake
• child has ADHD or ADD (children who have ADD or ADHD are more likely to become sensitive to artificial colors).  (some ADD or ADHD medications have artificial colors in them and you could ask for a dye-free alternative if your child uses prescription medication).

Parent Checklist

• Unable to discipline child
• Feeling like a bad parent
• Nothing you do seems to work
• Embarrassed by child's behavior
• Feeling like you need some answers

FDA decides No Warning Necessary on Artificial Dyes- However, Consumer Choice can Change Market

  Parents who find the cause of their child's symptoms are buying foods without artificial colors and are not going to wait for the FDA to put warning labels on foods. We are not going to wait for someone to finally complete a very valid study so the FDA can say what we already know. It's about money, it's about consumer choice, but for me it's also about educating others. I was a parent who could not understand what was happening to my child and why no form of discipline would make a difference. I saw my child struggle with depression, a lower self-esteem, uncontrollable fits of anger, and a lack of friends. I was ignorant and unaware that artificial dyes could cause such a behavior change in my child. Two years of this without anyone telling me to look at the dyes my child was eating. Warning labels would have been helpful and saved valuable time with my child. Today he is a bright, sweet child, with the ability to manage his anger rationally like other kids his age. So studies or no studies, I am not buying it any longer. Money talks in this greedy world. That is the only way to make a change, although I hoped for the sake of others that some sort of warning was issued for the other children and adults suffering.
    MSNBC.Com health has the latest news on this subject and what the FDA decided.  It was a close vote 6-8.  Please click on the link below and add your comments.     
http://health.newsvine.com/_news/2011/03/31/6384389-fda-panel-no-warning-needed-on-food-dye?threadId=3093106&commentId=52954750#c52954750

Join the conversation: Are you worried about artificial dyes?

    Welcome to Red Dye Free!  Recently, Moms Today lead a conversation about artificial dyes.  I encourage you to keep the conversation alive by clicking the following link:     http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/03/29/6369981-why-some-moms-have-banned-artificial-food-dyes-from-their-kids-diets
 
    I also encourage you to vote here:   http://moms.today.com/_question/2011/03/29/6371288-do-you-worry-about-artificial-dyes-in-food

    Your opinions matter.  The conversations in the comment section is very interesting!  Why don't you join us and let others know how you feel about this topic? 

Red Dye Free on TodayMoms!

I was fortunate to have MSNBC and TodayMoms site share my blog.... www.reddyefree.blogspot.com. I have always been anonymous, or so I thought, but they managed to contact me. I am grateful to share this important information with others since it made a huge difference in my life and my childrens'.


http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/03/29/6369981-why-some-moms-have-banned-artificial-food-dyes-from-their-kids-diets

If you click on the link, you will also be able to view a very good video on this issue.  There is a child in this video who had trouble with his handwriting.  Occupational therapists would have probably labeled him as having dysgraphia (a problem with motor coordination skills).  After removing the harmful dyes in his food, his handwriting improved dramatically.  My son had the same problem with the dyes, along with behavioral problems from consumption of these dyes.  My son's handwriting is beautiful now and has no major behavioral issues to speak of as well.