U.S. asks if food dyes make kids hyperactive
Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:06pm GMT
By Lisa Richwine
Fri Mar 25, 2011 5:06pm GMT
By Lisa Richwine
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators are weighing a question parents have asked since the 1970s: do artificial food dyes make children hyperactive?A consumer group has petitioned the government to ban blue, green, orange, red and yellow food colourings. The synthetic dyes are common in food and drinks ranging from PepsiCo's Gatorade, Cheetos and Doritos to Kellogg's Eggo waffles and Kraft's Jell-O desserts.
Manufacturers say reviews by regulators around the world confirm the dyes are safe. The Centre for Science in the Public Interest argues, however, there is plenty of data showing the dyes trigger hyperactivity in kids who are predisposed to it.
"There is convincing evidence that food dyes impair the behaviour of some children," said Michael Jacobson, head of the consumer group famous for exposing the fat and calories in movie-theatre popcorn and fast food.
Jacobson and others will testify next week before a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee that will consider the question on Wednesday and Thursday. The FDA will hear the advisers' views before deciding whether to take any action, which could take months or years.
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