In an era where health consciousness is paramount, California’s proposed ban on certain food dyes in school meals under bill AB 2316 is a significant step. The bill targets additives like blue 1, blue 2, green 3, red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, and titanium dioxide. These are prevalent in many food items, from vibrant cereals to inconspicuous canned goods. The rationale behind this move is grounded in a growing body of research suggesting a potential link between these additives and behavioral issues in children, including increased hyperactivity.
The issue is that these chemicals are nonessential and primarily used to enhance food appearance. Alternatives exist, as evidenced by products like Pepperidge Farms Goldfish crackers, which use natural extracts for color. The passing of AB 2316 could force a significant industry shift, prompting manufacturers to find safer, natural alternatives.
Previous legislation in California, like the California Food Safety Act, has already set a precedent by banning additives such as red three and potassium bromate. The influence of California’s decisions is notable, often triggering similar actions in other states.
In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – which regulates food additives under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act – convened a panel to review existing research on the link between dyes and children’s behavior. The panel ultimately found no causal relationship, though it did concede that some children sensitive to food dyes could see ADHD symptoms worsen with exposure. The panel recommended further study on the subject, but rejected mandatory warning labels on foods containing dyes.
Internationally, there’s a stricter stance on food dyes. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, foods containing synthetic dyes must bear warning labels about potential effects on children’s activity and attention. This contrasts with the FDA’s approach, which, despite acknowledging that food dyes might exacerbate ADHD symptoms in sensitive children, hasn’t imposed such labeling requirements.
Critics, however, argue that the move by California might be overstepping, as federal agencies like the FDA typically regulate food additives. Nevertheless, proponents of AB 2316 view it as a necessary measure to safeguard children’s health, particularly those with behavioral disorders like ADHD.
In response to a request for comment on AB 2316, the National Confectioners’ Association, which represents candy producers, issued a statement denouncing ongoing campaigns to curtail food additives at the state level, calling on the FDA to intervene. It read: “These activists are dismantling our national food safety system state by state in an emotionally driven campaign that lacks scientific backing. FDA is the only institution in America that can stop this sensationalistic agenda which is not based on facts and science.“
The situation raises broader questions about food safety regulations and the role of states in dictating standards. As the debate continues, children’s health remains a central concern, pushing the boundaries of how we regulate and understand food additives.
Here are some foods that contain some of these additives:
• Blue 1
Also known as Brilliant Blue, this greenish-blue dye is used in canned peas, ice cream, popsicles, packaged soups, and icings. It’s also found in candy, cereal, and snacks.
• Blue 2
Also known as Indigo Carmine, this royal blue dye is used in candy, ice cream, cereal, snacks, and dessert powders. It’s also used in bakery goods, maraschino cherries, sausage, dairy products, and sherbet.
• Green 3
Also known as Food Green 3, this triaryl methane dye is used in baked goods, morning cereals, drink mixtures, and frozen delights. It’s also found in canned vegetables, cereal, desserts, drinks, Jello, and salad dressings. Green 3 – Found in canned peas, other processed vegetables, fish, beverages, pudding, dessert powders, ice cream, sherbets, sorbet, cotton candy, other candy, other foods, medicines, personal care products, and cosmetics. Red 2 – Found only in the peels of some oranges.
• Red 40
This common food dye is used in breakfast cereals, sodas, condiments, puddings, dairy products, baked goods, chocolate candy, and fruit juices. You’ll find red dye in Jello (brand name and generic), gummy fruit snack treats, and chocolate pudding. Yes, you read that right. Without red food dye, the chocolate pudding would be green. The whole pudding snack is full of artificial substances and contains little actual chocolate. Red 40 is commonly found in snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Doritos. Yellow 5 is also present in M&Ms and Mountain Dew.
• Yellow 5
This dye is found in cereal, sodas, gelatins, frosting, spices, sauces, yogurt, and juices. Neon-colored sodas, like Mountain Dew. Kids’ fruit drinks, such as Sunny D, Kool-Aid Jammers, and several varieties of Gatorade and Powerade. Brightly colored candy (think candy corn, M&Ms, and Starburst) and sugary breakfast cereals like Cap’N Crunch.
• Yellow 6
Yellow 6 is a synthetic pigment, sometimes called a monoazo color. In addition to its use in cosmetics and personal care products, yellow 6 is commonly used in fermented foods that must be heat treated, such as marmalade and cheese sauce mix. Foods may contain FD&C Yellow #6 candy, especially Air Heads, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Nerds, M&Ms, etc. Cake, especially yellow cake and funfetti. Cereal, like Lucky Charms, Cap’N Crunch. Chips, like Doritos (nacho), Ruffles (cheddar & sour cream), Fritos (honey BBQ twists), Cheetos (flamin hot).
• Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide, also known as E171, is a food additive used to add brightness and shine to many foods. It’s commonly found in the following foods. Most commonly used in candy, it can also be found in salad dressings, chewing gum, ice cream, frozen pizzas, drink and jello mixes, milk, coffee creamer, chocolate