Don't you think it's time the FDA corrects the information on its web site about the impact of artificial dyes on behavior?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) created an informative guide about food ingredients and colors. The following link can be used to access that information:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucmo94211.htm#coloradd

"CSPI's (Center for Science in the Public Interest) petition asks the FDA to require a warning label on foods with artificial dyes while it mulls CSPI's request to ban the dyes outright. CSPI also wants the FDA to correct the information it presents to parents on its web site about the impact of artificial food dyes on behavior. Joining CSPI's call are 19 prominent psychiatrists, toxicologists, and pediatricians who today co-signed letter urging members of Congress to hold hearings on artificial food dyes and behavior, and to fund an Institute of Medicine research project on the issue."
http://cspinet.org/new/200806022.html

The FDA created that guide in 2004. It is time that they change that information so that people can be correctly informed about the possible changes in behavior that some children and adults can experience. It severely downplays the terrible side-effects that these dyes can have on a number of people - not just those individuals with ADD/ADHD, but theoretically it could worsen undesirable behavior in people with conditions such as mood disorders and autistic spectrum disorders. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk and these dyes should be banned.

Have I gone Red Dye 40 mad?

Are you wondering why I have spent so much time creating a blog all about stupid food coloring additives - such as red dye 40? Have you wondered what it is I hope to gain from this? I have often thought that people might just think I am some health nut on a mission to force her views on others. I assure you that I am neither. I am just a parent who found out that I could have spent the other two dye-induced years of my children's lives much more peacefully if I had only known the truth about artificial colors - namely red dye 40.
Red dye 40, for my children and myself, may in fact be a neurotoxin that immediately changes the way we feel. It is perhaps a dye-induced toxin that makes us more sensitive, easily frustrated, alters our perception of things, we feel short tempered, and feel like acting in an aggressive manner. For my children, those feelings are difficult to control. If I get that way just by eating foods with red dye 40 in it, I have to think isn't that like a drug of some sort? I mean, for millions of American's who react the same way, doesn't that upset you? I know there are many people who might not have a clue as to why they feel so edgy and many others who just don't feel the emotional effects, but I speculate that it can be doing something to your body that isn't healthy.
Personally, I have nothing to gain by doing this blog other than share the news. Maybe one more person will find out what is bothering them or their children before too much time is lost. If you come across a request to remove artificial dyes from school snacks or lunches, be grateful too that your child who might not be visibly effected is able to sit peacefully by other children who are sensitive to red dye 40. I am grateful for having my children back. I hope this reaches the rest of you in good time!

Here are some steps for eliminating red dye 40.

First, Read all food labels. Food colors are generally listed ...avoid Red Dye 40 - it is derived from petroleum, but the trick is sometimes they will say artificial colors - avoid these! Carmine is also a red dye, but it is derived from a bug. I avoid this too! There are much more pleasant ingredients to use than that. Don't trust the color of things. For example, all of the M&M's have Red Dye 40 in them. In order to make brown, they needed to use red 40, mixed with some other colors. I used to just avoid the red ones until I found out that all of the M&M's have it in them with various amounts.

Some goldfish crackers do not have red dye 40 in the ingredient list. The goldfish crackers that do have red dye 40 in the ingredient list needs to be avoided, because like the M&M's all of the crackers have red dye 40 in them with various amounts.

Next, almost every medicine has Red 40 in it. Read labels....you can often find alternatives and dye-free medications. Benedryl, and Tylenol has a dye-free option. Children's cough syrups and medicinal liquids are notorious for having Red Dye 40 in them. Now not only are your kids feeling sick, they are also whining, crying, fighting and angry!

Check with your pharmacist to see if there is an alternative to the medication. Even antidepressants can have Red 40 in them - no wonder so many people are not feeling any better after trying them! When I need to take Pseudofed for sinus problems, I wash the red coating off before taking it.

Colored cereals, cake mixes, frosting, fruit snacks, candy, Poptarts, yogurts, baked goods, barbecue sauces, soft drinks, juices, Tostitos, Doritoes, and other snack chips and even ice creams can have red-dye 40 in them. I even found in one particular bag of Tostitos 100% White Corn Scoops with Hint of Jalapeno had Artificial Color (including Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1, and Red 40). Ironically it had this written on it, "Made with All Natural Oil - We grow the best snacks on Earth." Why would 100% white corn scoops need all of those artificial colors in it??? Also, if they do grow the best snacks on Earth, don't you think they would at least be good for you? So, don't let the Natural Oil fool you into thinking that it's good for you.

Toothpastes and mouthwashes also can have red dye 40 in them . There are alternatives to all of these, but you just have to really read the labels to find the right ones.

Never trust baked goods without an ingredient list - even store bakeries add this coloring.
Lastly, check out www.reddye40.org for a list of foods to avoid. You will be surprised! In our home we avoid all artificial food colorings because the chemical structure of the yellow dyes are very similar to red dye 40 and has a similar but less dramatic affect on our children. But, please don't get overwhelmed - it is possible to go dye-free! I did it!