Urge Congress Ban Artificial Food Dyes!
Target:
The United States Congress and US Food Manufacturers
Sponsored by:
We the undersigned are concerned about the effects of food ingredients, especially food dyes, on children's behavior, including children with hyperactivity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and are troubled by federal inaction.
The first hints that food ingredients could impair children's behavior came in the mid-1970s, when Dr. Ben Feingold publicized his clinical findings. His contentions not only generated great public concern, but also spurred scientists to conduct scientific research. Many of the studies done over the years, in the U.S. and abroad, have confirmed that some children are adversely affected by foods, with food dyes being the ingredients most intensively studied. One of the early studies was actually funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),(1) and two recent studies were funded by the Food Standards Agency of the British government.(2)
A 2004 meta-analysis of controlled studies concluded that "our results strongly suggest an association between ingestion of [artificial food colorings] and hyperactivity."(3) The researchers stated that "society should engage in a broader discussion about whether the aesthetic and commercial rationale for the use of [artificial food colorings] is justified."
In contrast to the scientific findings, the FDA publishes (jointly with the food industry's International Food Information Council) a pamphlet on "Food Ingredients and Colors" that asserts that there is "no evidence" of a link between dyes and hyperactivity.(4) Yet the British government is vigorously urging the food industry to stop using the dyes implicated as problems.(5) Britons are benefiting from the changes that Kraft, McDonald's, Kellogg, Mars, and other companies are making in Britain. Unfortunately, those multinational companies are not making those changes in the United States. In addition, a committee of the European Parliament recently voted to ban dyes from foods consumed by babies and small children and to require a warning notice on foods containing dyes consumed by older children.(6)
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of any federal action - or inaction - considering health, economic, and other issues. In the present case, food dyes pose a health risk to many consumers, but no health benefit whatsoever to any consumers. Moreover, the economic benefit to industry appears to be negligible; indeed, some food processors may feel obliged to use dyes only because their competitors use them, but if no one used them, that wouldn't be an issue.
Considering the substantial body of scientific evidence, we urge you to press for measures that would help protect children from unnecessary harm. We suggest the following:
(1) Weiss B, Williams JH, Margen S, et al. Behavioral responses to artificial food colors. Science. 1980;207:1487-8.
(2) McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2007 Nov 3;370:1560-7. Published online Sept. 6, 2007. The same research group published a study of 3-year-olds that also found an effect of a mixture of four dyes and sodium benzoate on hyperactivity. Bateman B, Warner JO, Hutchinson E, et al. The effects of a double blind, placebo controlled, artificial food colourings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:506-11. The authors stated: "We believe that this suggests that benefit would accrue for all children if artificial food colours and benzoate preservatives were removed from their diet."
(3) Schab DW, Trinh N-H T. Do artificial food colorings promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004;25:423-34.
(4) www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodic.html (accessed March 9, 2008). A previous version, "Food Color Facts," is also on FDA's web site.
(5)www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/additivesboard (accessed March 9, 2008). The British government is focusing on food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate, which were mixed together in the studies it sponsored.
(6) Crowley L. MEPs vote for ban on unnecessary colours for kids. Food Navigator.com - Europe. May 7, 2008. www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=85135&c=4ad7aAzQZOnmdHoqSmGJwQ%3D%3D (accessed May 9, 2008).
The first hints that food ingredients could impair children's behavior came in the mid-1970s, when Dr. Ben Feingold publicized his clinical findings. His contentions not only generated great public concern, but also spurred scientists to conduct scientific research. Many of the studies done over the years, in the U.S. and abroad, have confirmed that some children are adversely affected by foods, with food dyes being the ingredients most intensively studied. One of the early studies was actually funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),(1) and two recent studies were funded by the Food Standards Agency of the British government.(2)
A 2004 meta-analysis of controlled studies concluded that "our results strongly suggest an association between ingestion of [artificial food colorings] and hyperactivity."(3) The researchers stated that "society should engage in a broader discussion about whether the aesthetic and commercial rationale for the use of [artificial food colorings] is justified."
In contrast to the scientific findings, the FDA publishes (jointly with the food industry's International Food Information Council) a pamphlet on "Food Ingredients and Colors" that asserts that there is "no evidence" of a link between dyes and hyperactivity.(4) Yet the British government is vigorously urging the food industry to stop using the dyes implicated as problems.(5) Britons are benefiting from the changes that Kraft, McDonald's, Kellogg, Mars, and other companies are making in Britain. Unfortunately, those multinational companies are not making those changes in the United States. In addition, a committee of the European Parliament recently voted to ban dyes from foods consumed by babies and small children and to require a warning notice on foods containing dyes consumed by older children.(6)
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of any federal action - or inaction - considering health, economic, and other issues. In the present case, food dyes pose a health risk to many consumers, but no health benefit whatsoever to any consumers. Moreover, the economic benefit to industry appears to be negligible; indeed, some food processors may feel obliged to use dyes only because their competitors use them, but if no one used them, that wouldn't be an issue.
Considering the substantial body of scientific evidence, we urge you to press for measures that would help protect children from unnecessary harm. We suggest the following:
- Investigate what the FDA, National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have done to inform the public and protect children from unnecessary exposure to food ingredients that trigger behavior problems and learn the results of any research those agencies have conducted.
- Hold hearings on diet and children's behavior and introduce legislation to end the use of food dyes and other unnecessary food ingredients that adversely affect children's behavior.
- Direct the FDA to revise or withdraw its inaccurate brochure on "Food Ingredients and Colors."
- Fund the Institute of Medicine to (a) review the scientific research and clinical experience regarding food ingredients (especially dyes) and behavioral problems, (b) recommend appropriate further research and child-protective public policies, and (c) advise whether new food additives should be tested routinely for neurobehavioral effects.
(1) Weiss B, Williams JH, Margen S, et al. Behavioral responses to artificial food colors. Science. 1980;207:1487-8.
(2) McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2007 Nov 3;370:1560-7. Published online Sept. 6, 2007. The same research group published a study of 3-year-olds that also found an effect of a mixture of four dyes and sodium benzoate on hyperactivity. Bateman B, Warner JO, Hutchinson E, et al. The effects of a double blind, placebo controlled, artificial food colourings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:506-11. The authors stated: "We believe that this suggests that benefit would accrue for all children if artificial food colours and benzoate preservatives were removed from their diet."
(3) Schab DW, Trinh N-H T. Do artificial food colorings promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004;25:423-34.
(4) www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodic.html (accessed March 9, 2008). A previous version, "Food Color Facts," is also on FDA's web site.
(5)www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/additivesboard (accessed March 9, 2008). The British government is focusing on food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate, which were mixed together in the studies it sponsored.
(6) Crowley L. MEPs vote for ban on unnecessary colours for kids. Food Navigator.com - Europe. May 7, 2008. www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=85135&c=4ad7aAzQZOnmdHoqSmGJwQ%3D%3D (accessed May 9, 2008).
We the undersigned are concerned about the effects of food ingredients, especially food dyes, on children's behavior, including children with hyperactivity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and are troubled by federal inaction.
The first hints that food ingredients could impair children's behavior came in the mid-1970s, when Dr. Ben Feingold publicized his clinical findings. His contentions not only generated great public concern, but also spurred scientists to conduct scientific research. Many of the studies done over the years, in the U.S. and abroad, have confirmed that some children are adversely affected by foods, with food dyes being the ingredients most intensively studied. One of the early studies was actually funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),(1) and two recent studies were funded by the Food Standards Agency of the British government.(2)
A 2004 meta-analysis of controlled studies concluded that "our results strongly suggest an association between ingestion of [artificial food colorings] and hyperactivity."(3) The researchers stated that "society should engage in a broader discussion about whether the aesthetic and commercial rationale for the use of [artificial food colorings] is justified."
In contrast to the scientific findings, the FDA publishes (jointly with the food industry's International Food Information Council) a pamphlet on "Food Ingredients and Colors" that asserts that there is "no evidence" of a link between dyes and hyperactivity.(4) Yet the British government is vigorously urging the food industry to stop using the dyes implicated as problems.(5) Britons are benefiting from the changes that Kraft, McDonald's, Kellogg, Mars, and other companies are making in Britain. Unfortunately, those multinational companies are not making those changes in the United States. In addition, a committee of the European Parliament recently voted to ban dyes from foods consumed by babies and small children and to require a warning notice on foods containing dyes consumed by older children.(6)
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of any federal action - or inaction - considering health, economic, and other issues. In the present case, food dyes pose a health risk to many consumers, but no health benefit whatsoever to any consumers. Moreover, the economic benefit to industry appears to be negligible; indeed, some food processors may feel obliged to use dyes only because their competitors use them, but if no one used them, that wouldn't be an issue.
Considering the substantial body of scientific evidence, we urge you to press for measures that would help protect children from unnecessary harm. We suggest the following:
(1) Weiss B, Williams JH, Margen S, et al. Behavioral responses to artificial food colors. Science. 1980;207:1487-8.
(2) McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2007 Nov 3;370:1560-7. Published online Sept. 6, 2007. The same research group published a study of 3-year-olds that also found an effect of a mixture of four dyes and sodium benzoate on hyperactivity. Bateman B, Warner JO, Hutchinson E, et al. The effects of a double blind, placebo controlled, artificial food colourings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:506-11. The authors stated: "We believe that this suggests that benefit would accrue for all children if artificial food colours and benzoate preservatives were removed from their diet."
(3) Schab DW, Trinh N-H T. Do artificial food colorings promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004;25:423-34.
(4) www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodic.html (accessed March 9, 2008). A previous version, "Food Color Facts," is also on FDA's web site.
(5)www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/additivesboard (accessed March 9, 2008). The British government is focusing on food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate, which were mixed together in the studies it sponsored.
(6) Crowley L. MEPs vote for ban on unnecessary colours for kids. Food Navigator.com - Europe. May 7, 2008. www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=85135&c=4ad7aAzQZOnmdHoqSmGJwQ%3D%3D (accessed May 9, 2008).
The first hints that food ingredients could impair children's behavior came in the mid-1970s, when Dr. Ben Feingold publicized his clinical findings. His contentions not only generated great public concern, but also spurred scientists to conduct scientific research. Many of the studies done over the years, in the U.S. and abroad, have confirmed that some children are adversely affected by foods, with food dyes being the ingredients most intensively studied. One of the early studies was actually funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),(1) and two recent studies were funded by the Food Standards Agency of the British government.(2)
A 2004 meta-analysis of controlled studies concluded that "our results strongly suggest an association between ingestion of [artificial food colorings] and hyperactivity."(3) The researchers stated that "society should engage in a broader discussion about whether the aesthetic and commercial rationale for the use of [artificial food colorings] is justified."
In contrast to the scientific findings, the FDA publishes (jointly with the food industry's International Food Information Council) a pamphlet on "Food Ingredients and Colors" that asserts that there is "no evidence" of a link between dyes and hyperactivity.(4) Yet the British government is vigorously urging the food industry to stop using the dyes implicated as problems.(5) Britons are benefiting from the changes that Kraft, McDonald's, Kellogg, Mars, and other companies are making in Britain. Unfortunately, those multinational companies are not making those changes in the United States. In addition, a committee of the European Parliament recently voted to ban dyes from foods consumed by babies and small children and to require a warning notice on foods containing dyes consumed by older children.(6)
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of any federal action - or inaction - considering health, economic, and other issues. In the present case, food dyes pose a health risk to many consumers, but no health benefit whatsoever to any consumers. Moreover, the economic benefit to industry appears to be negligible; indeed, some food processors may feel obliged to use dyes only because their competitors use them, but if no one used them, that wouldn't be an issue.
Considering the substantial body of scientific evidence, we urge you to press for measures that would help protect children from unnecessary harm. We suggest the following:
- Investigate what the FDA, National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have done to inform the public and protect children from unnecessary exposure to food ingredients that trigger behavior problems and learn the results of any research those agencies have conducted.
- Hold hearings on diet and children's behavior and introduce legislation to end the use of food dyes and other unnecessary food ingredients that adversely affect children's behavior.
- Direct the FDA to revise or withdraw its inaccurate brochure on "Food Ingredients and Colors."
- Fund the Institute of Medicine to (a) review the scientific research and clinical experience regarding food ingredients (especially dyes) and behavioral problems, (b) recommend appropriate further research and child-protective public policies, and (c) advise whether new food additives should be tested routinely for neurobehavioral effects.
(1) Weiss B, Williams JH, Margen S, et al. Behavioral responses to artificial food colors. Science. 1980;207:1487-8.
(2) McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2007 Nov 3;370:1560-7. Published online Sept. 6, 2007. The same research group published a study of 3-year-olds that also found an effect of a mixture of four dyes and sodium benzoate on hyperactivity. Bateman B, Warner JO, Hutchinson E, et al. The effects of a double blind, placebo controlled, artificial food colourings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children. Arch Dis Child. 2004;89:506-11. The authors stated: "We believe that this suggests that benefit would accrue for all children if artificial food colours and benzoate preservatives were removed from their diet."
(3) Schab DW, Trinh N-H T. Do artificial food colorings promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004;25:423-34.
(4) www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodic.html (accessed March 9, 2008). A previous version, "Food Color Facts," is also on FDA's web site.
(5)www.foodstandards.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/additivesboard (accessed March 9, 2008). The British government is focusing on food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate, which were mixed together in the studies it sponsored.
(6) Crowley L. MEPs vote for ban on unnecessary colours for kids. Food Navigator.com - Europe. May 7, 2008. www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=85135&c=4ad7aAzQZOnmdHoqSmGJwQ%3D%3D (accessed May 9, 2008).
We signed the "Urge Congress Ban Artificial Food Dyes!" petition!
# 113:
6:04 pm PDT, May 14,
Name not displayed, Kentucky
My son is 4 years old and for the last 2 years has experienced several behavioral problems which has impacted his self esteem and ability to build relationships with other children. After going to a psychologist to confirm he did not have a more serious problem our doctor suggested we remove all food dyes from his diet. After doing so it is amazing the difference. His body negatively reacted to the food dye causing him to have uncotrollable outburst. When I began researching food dyes I was shocked to find what our kids eat in the US is not allowed in other parts of the world. This concept is utterly ridiculous to me. The FDA needs to do something now otherwise all of our children are going to be forced to go on Ritalin or other aphetimines to control behavior.
My son is 4 years old and for the last 2 years has experienced several behavioral problems which has impacted his self esteem and ability to build relationships with other children. After going to a psychologist to confirm he did not have a more serious problem our doctor suggested we remove all food dyes from his diet. After doing so it is amazing the difference. His body negatively reacted to the food dye causing him to have uncotrollable outburst. When I began researching food dyes I was shocked to find what our kids eat in the US is not allowed in other parts of the world. This concept is utterly ridiculous to me. The FDA needs to do something now otherwise all of our children are going to be forced to go on Ritalin or other aphetimines to control behavior.
# 112:
5:06 am PDT, May 14,
Peggy Siemasko, New York
# 111:
12:26 pm PDT, May 13,
Jess Lemin, California
# 110:
11:54 am PDT, May 13,
Jenafer Medina, New York
# 109:
7:20 pm PDT, May 12,
Shane Carroll, Nebraska
# 108:
6:43 pm PDT, May 12,
Luis Gonzalez, Puerto Rico
luis gonzalez
luis gonzalez
# 107:
6:42 pm PDT, May 12,
Luz Rodriguez, Puerto Rico
# 106:
6:30 pm PDT, May 11,
Name not displayed, Michigan
# 105:
9:06 pm PDT, May 10,
Name not displayed, Louisiana
As most of you know, our sons are very sensitive to artificial dye and become uncontrollable and/or violent after only a few minutes of ingesting a food that contains it. Please join us in our quest to get these banned in the United States, just as they are in so many European countries because of the ill affect on children.
As most of you know, our sons are very sensitive to artificial dye and become uncontrollable and/or violent after only a few minutes of ingesting a food that contains it. Please join us in our quest to get these banned in the United States, just as they are in so many European countries because of the ill affect on children.
# 104:
9:17 pm PDT, May 1,
Richard Galloway, Pennsylvania
# 103:
5:02 pm PDT, Apr 29,
Barbara Edwards, New Jersey
# 102:
2:55 pm PDT, Apr 29,
Suzanne Paulea, Texas
# 101:
1:54 pm PDT, Apr 29,
Name not displayed, Arizona
# 100:
7:47 am PDT, Apr 29,
Jackie Dunn, Washington D.C.
# 99:
5:51 am PDT, Apr 29,
Name not displayed, Michigan
I think artificial food dyes should be banned just because I have lived a long time and can remember back when there was hardly a case of ADHD,or bi-plorism or behavior problems with attention in school. Our food came from the garden's and life was simpler. Yes we had to advance but at what cost to our children. It is quite obvious now as 1 in 8 kids in school is being treated with something to affect their behavior. Let's go back to natural things and also take care to make it affordable for all. The thought now is, have a problem, medicate it. I have a 26 year old grandson educated only to the 2nd grade because he has ADHD. Had we known about additives earlier he might have had a chance for an education.
I think artificial food dyes should be banned just because I have lived a long time and can remember back when there was hardly a case of ADHD,or bi-plorism or behavior problems with attention in school. Our food came from the garden's and life was simpler. Yes we had to advance but at what cost to our children. It is quite obvious now as 1 in 8 kids in school is being treated with something to affect their behavior. Let's go back to natural things and also take care to make it affordable for all. The thought now is, have a problem, medicate it. I have a 26 year old grandson educated only to the 2nd grade because he has ADHD. Had we known about additives earlier he might have had a chance for an education.
# 98:
1:15 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Lisa Broussard, Texas
My son has ADHD and we have attempted to exclude this from his diet to help with his disability. It is very difficult with the number of foods that contain the harmful dyes. I would love this to pass!!!!!
My son has ADHD and we have attempted to exclude this from his diet to help with his disability. It is very difficult with the number of foods that contain the harmful dyes. I would love this to pass!!!!!
# 97:
12:54 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Christine Armstrong, New Jersey
My nephew was in a behavioral TAILSPIN for years!! My sister and Brother-in-law did not know what they could do for him, his sisters avoided him, his life was in a shambles of tantrums and unexplainable behavior...until one day my sister took steps to figure it out. He mentioned a "sick" feeling that began with eating Honey-Nut Cheerios...so my sister decided to cut that out of his diet. Things started inproving...until they hit another snag after Healthy Start cereal...she started researching food additives and began READING ingredients of foods before she even put them in her shopping cart! She's spread the word to friends and they are finding the same things with their children. BECAUSE THE FDA SAYS THEY ARE SAFE DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE...additives and dyes are made from PETROLIUM...and who wantes their kids eating oil from Saudi Arabia...a jump I know...but ya gotta get the words out. The only thing benefiting from this is the drug companies who medicate these children into submission when a simple change in diet will do it!!! I've sent my sister's missive on this off as far and wide as I can...now it's your turn!
My nephew was in a behavioral TAILSPIN for years!! My sister and Brother-in-law did not know what they could do for him, his sisters avoided him, his life was in a shambles of tantrums and unexplainable behavior...until one day my sister took steps to figure it out. He mentioned a "sick" feeling that began with eating Honey-Nut Cheerios...so my sister decided to cut that out of his diet. Things started inproving...until they hit another snag after Healthy Start cereal...she started researching food additives and began READING ingredients of foods before she even put them in her shopping cart! She's spread the word to friends and they are finding the same things with their children. BECAUSE THE FDA SAYS THEY ARE SAFE DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE...additives and dyes are made from PETROLIUM...and who wantes their kids eating oil from Saudi Arabia...a jump I know...but ya gotta get the words out. The only thing benefiting from this is the drug companies who medicate these children into submission when a simple change in diet will do it!!! I've sent my sister's missive on this off as far and wide as I can...now it's your turn!
# 96:
12:09 pm PDT, Apr 28,
Amelie Cobb, Texas
Two of my grandchildren are definitely sensitive to food dyes but it is not easy to avoid them at all times. Even small amounts are significant.
Two of my grandchildren are definitely sensitive to food dyes but it is not easy to avoid them at all times. Even small amounts are significant.
# 95:
10:14 am PDT, Apr 28,
Caroline Ervin, Washington D.C.
# 94:
9:53 am PDT, Apr 28,
Kim & John Snedden, Washington D.C.
Our family and especially our son suffered ten long years of constant extreme mood swings, depression, learning difficulties, sleeplessness and increasingly violent behavior all so that food can be more colorful as cheaply as possible. I am not optimistic that any time soon these dyes and artificial preservatives will be banned. Think of who benefits from them: Big pharma, therapists/doctors, penal system, publishers, even the networks (Nanny 911), not to mention the obvious food and drug companies. My life is a joy now and my children are complete angels because they CAN be, without these devils short-circuiting their brains. Shame on Congress and the FDA.
Our family and especially our son suffered ten long years of constant extreme mood swings, depression, learning difficulties, sleeplessness and increasingly violent behavior all so that food can be more colorful as cheaply as possible. I am not optimistic that any time soon these dyes and artificial preservatives will be banned. Think of who benefits from them: Big pharma, therapists/doctors, penal system, publishers, even the networks (Nanny 911), not to mention the obvious food and drug companies. My life is a joy now and my children are complete angels because they CAN be, without these devils short-circuiting their brains. Shame on Congress and the FDA.
# 93:
2:11 pm PDT, Apr 27,
Michelle Snyder, Florida
My son's typical reactions include temper tantrums, hyperactivity, chewing, aggressive and destructive behavior, loud screaming, kicking, lack of judgement or maybe more of an inability to control impulses, inability to concentrate and sit still among other things. This was effecting his school behaviour and his teachers had a conference with me due to his chewing and destroying classroom materials (more of a energetic habit than malicious destruction). It was the same week that I really noticed a BIG reaction to a red lollipop and it finally dawned on me. I have found with him that specifically when the artificial colors were removed from the diet that he stopped destroying things. Without telling the first grade teachers that we removed dye, I asked if there were any changes in my son. They confirmed that there were many positive changes. In addition, he stopped chewing his shirt and BITING HIS NAILS! I was so surprised about a month into "no dye" when I looked down at his pudgy little hands and every single nail was long and not chewed! I treated him to a "little gentleman" manicure and hand massage.
My son's typical reactions include temper tantrums, hyperactivity, chewing, aggressive and destructive behavior, loud screaming, kicking, lack of judgement or maybe more of an inability to control impulses, inability to concentrate and sit still among other things. This was effecting his school behaviour and his teachers had a conference with me due to his chewing and destroying classroom materials (more of a energetic habit than malicious destruction). It was the same week that I really noticed a BIG reaction to a red lollipop and it finally dawned on me. I have found with him that specifically when the artificial colors were removed from the diet that he stopped destroying things. Without telling the first grade teachers that we removed dye, I asked if there were any changes in my son. They confirmed that there were many positive changes. In addition, he stopped chewing his shirt and BITING HIS NAILS! I was so surprised about a month into "no dye" when I looked down at his pudgy little hands and every single nail was long and not chewed! I treated him to a "little gentleman" manicure and hand massage.
# 92:
5:27 am PDT, Apr 27,
Joanne Thompson, Florida
# 91:
5:49 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Aaron Fagan, Maryland
# 90:
4:25 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Name not displayed, Maryland
# 89:
2:56 pm PDT, Apr 23,
Breigh Mooney, Wisconsin
My son is highly sensitive to all food dyes and when he accidentally ingests them it is an immediate reaction. Both myself and his teachers can tell when he has eaten food with dye in it. He has been dx'd as having extreme ADHD and when he eats a diet free of dyes he is a "normal" child when he eats dyes he is out of control, aggressive, hyper beyond belief and can't sleep. Lets get food dyes out of foods, there is no need for them, they only cause harm and if it can help a certain group of ppl to live happier lives, isn't it worth it?
My son is highly sensitive to all food dyes and when he accidentally ingests them it is an immediate reaction. Both myself and his teachers can tell when he has eaten food with dye in it. He has been dx'd as having extreme ADHD and when he eats a diet free of dyes he is a "normal" child when he eats dyes he is out of control, aggressive, hyper beyond belief and can't sleep. Lets get food dyes out of foods, there is no need for them, they only cause harm and if it can help a certain group of ppl to live happier lives, isn't it worth it?
# 88:
5:32 pm PDT, Apr 22,
Marvin Tisdale, South Carolina
# 87:
8:08 am PDT, Apr 22,
Name not displayed, Maryland
# 86:
7:55 pm PDT, Apr 21,
Name not displayed, Washington D.C.
# 85:
6:42 pm PDT, Apr 21,
Jackie Vann, Washington D.C.
For my family the elimination of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives would be wonderful! We have adopted the Feingold Program as a way of life for over a year now. Since we started the positive impact on my family has been unmeasurable. My child is no longer is put in the category of ADD/ADHD. He is no longer a candidate for meds. Please place the ban on artificial food dyes. Make all food safe for every U.S. citizen. It's our right!
For my family the elimination of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives would be wonderful! We have adopted the Feingold Program as a way of life for over a year now. Since we started the positive impact on my family has been unmeasurable. My child is no longer is put in the category of ADD/ADHD. He is no longer a candidate for meds. Please place the ban on artificial food dyes. Make all food safe for every U.S. citizen. It's our right!
# 84:
12:01 pm PDT, Apr 21,
Christine Jozwick, Maryland
# 83:
9:25 am PDT, Apr 20,
Jeffrey Norcross, Pennsylvania
If your child is sensitive to Food Dyes please let us know! Report your symptoms here:http://www.cspinet.org/fooddyes/form.html
If your child is sensitive to Food Dyes please let us know! Report your symptoms here:http://www.cspinet.org/fooddyes/form.html
# 82:
10:57 am PDT, Apr 19,
Susan Nickol, Arizona
I have had hives for over 9 months and finally have linked it to food dye. Yellow and Red dye appear to be the worst. I have eliminated them from my diet and so far so good. Also, I had to figure this out for myself and no doctor was of any help.
I have had hives for over 9 months and finally have linked it to food dye. Yellow and Red dye appear to be the worst. I have eliminated them from my diet and so far so good. Also, I had to figure this out for myself and no doctor was of any help.
# 81:
4:24 am PDT, Apr 19,
Catherine Golden, Florida
Please I urge you on behalf of health issues for all people pass this legisture! My children have been off food dyes due to scary behaviors for as early as 18 months! It has been vry difficult even finding antibodites that they need without them, and other medicines also. It is completely uneccassary in foods and many they can not have!
Please I urge you on behalf of health issues for all people pass this legisture! My children have been off food dyes due to scary behaviors for as early as 18 months! It has been vry difficult even finding antibodites that they need without them, and other medicines also. It is completely uneccassary in foods and many they can not have!
# 80:
8:31 pm PDT, Apr 18,
Jamie Lee, California
# 79:
7:05 am PDT, Apr 18,
Jennifer Mounce, Florida
# 78:
6:37 pm PDT, Apr 17,
Name not displayed, Florida
I recently found out that I'm adversely affected by Red Dye 40. I avoid it, and the symptoms (irritation, impatience) disappear. I say get rid of it!
I recently found out that I'm adversely affected by Red Dye 40. I avoid it, and the symptoms (irritation, impatience) disappear. I say get rid of it!
# 77:
10:30 am PDT, Apr 17,
Michael Maraist, Florida
# 76:
8:39 am PDT, Apr 17,
Donna Cook, Florida
I have seen and experienced the difference in my own grandchildren when my daughter Cayla took heart and tested the effects of eliminating red dye 40 from their diet. I just wonder what these nutritionists and the FDA are thinking about when allowing so many artificial substances in our children's food.
I have seen and experienced the difference in my own grandchildren when my daughter Cayla took heart and tested the effects of eliminating red dye 40 from their diet. I just wonder what these nutritionists and the FDA are thinking about when allowing so many artificial substances in our children's food.
# 75:
8:07 am PDT, Apr 17,
Kelly Von Kramer, New York
Both of my children have reactions to red & yellow dye. The FDA needs to address this issue now as Europe has done. After cutting out artificial dye from their diets I have my sweet good-natured children back.
Both of my children have reactions to red & yellow dye. The FDA needs to address this issue now as Europe has done. After cutting out artificial dye from their diets I have my sweet good-natured children back.
# 74:
5:36 am PDT, Apr 17,
Name not displayed, Florida
I have three boys who are have severe adverse affects from artificial colors - namely Red dye 40. After ingesting the artificial colors, my children display extreme sensitive behavior, aggressiveness, are easily frustrated and more apt to act out in a violent manner, can not focus on school work, unwilling to participate in class, has incomplete assignments at school, have a look on their face that is seemingly depressed and angry. After finding out what the cause of their problems where, eliminating artificial dyes has been the saving grace that changed our lives for the better. I used to think one of my children had conduct disorder - but now he is a bright, high-achieving, sweet little boy. I worry about other children who are wrongly diagnosed and put on medications when it could be the artificial colors creating those same behaviors. I urge America to care and do something about this for our children and for everyone.
I have three boys who are have severe adverse affects from artificial colors - namely Red dye 40. After ingesting the artificial colors, my children display extreme sensitive behavior, aggressiveness, are easily frustrated and more apt to act out in a violent manner, can not focus on school work, unwilling to participate in class, has incomplete assignments at school, have a look on their face that is seemingly depressed and angry. After finding out what the cause of their problems where, eliminating artificial dyes has been the saving grace that changed our lives for the better. I used to think one of my children had conduct disorder - but now he is a bright, high-achieving, sweet little boy. I worry about other children who are wrongly diagnosed and put on medications when it could be the artificial colors creating those same behaviors. I urge America to care and do something about this for our children and for everyone.
# 73:
12:36 pm PDT, Apr 13,
Name not displayed, Ohio
# 72:
4:04 pm PDT, Apr 12,
Camie Jacobs, Florida
hyperactivity, agitation, not able to sleep red and yellow dyes
hyperactivity, agitation, not able to sleep red and yellow dyes
# 71:
1:42 pm PDT, Apr 10,
Name not displayed, Virginia
# 70:
9:51 am PDT, Apr 8,
Jessica Oliver, North Carolina
# 69:
11:56 am PDT, Apr 7,
Amy Schoeneck, Illinois
Please, do not continue to lure our children into eating junk food by making it colorful and full of chemicals. NO MORE COLORED FOOD. Let's help society to be healthy
Please, do not continue to lure our children into eating junk food by making it colorful and full of chemicals. NO MORE COLORED FOOD. Let's help society to be healthy
# 68:
4:53 am PDT, Apr 7,
Name not displayed, Florida
I normally wouldn't urge something like this, but if there is 1% chance that this could be causing the problems suggested, why should we be using artificial alternatives when we could be doing it naturally!
I normally wouldn't urge something like this, but if there is 1% chance that this could be causing the problems suggested, why should we be using artificial alternatives when we could be doing it naturally!
# 67:
8:16 pm PDT, Apr 3,
Zoa Hough-Maguire, North Carolina
My now 19yr old son has a Pervasive Development Disorder which for him manifests as very high functioning autistic spectrum with additional issues such as dyspraxia and ADD type behaviours. Over the years we have noticed much improvement in his behaviour when artificial food colourings are eliminated from his diet.
My now 19yr old son has a Pervasive Development Disorder which for him manifests as very high functioning autistic spectrum with additional issues such as dyspraxia and ADD type behaviours. Over the years we have noticed much improvement in his behaviour when artificial food colourings are eliminated from his diet.
# 66:
8:20 am PDT, Apr 3,
Gregory Bell, North Carolina
# 65:
3:51 pm PDT, Apr 2,
Name not displayed, Missouri
We dont need food dyes!!!! We cant keep putting crap in our bodies!!!!
We dont need food dyes!!!! We cant keep putting crap in our bodies!!!!
# 64:
1:19 pm PDT, Mar 31,
Name not displayed, Oregon
# 63:
1:15 pm PDT, Mar 27,
Lisa Thompson, Wisconsin
Raising an active child is very hard. This can all be avoided if he doesn't consume food dye. Please consider banning all artificial food dyes.
Raising an active child is very hard. This can all be avoided if he doesn't consume food dye. Please consider banning all artificial food dyes.
# 62:
5:56 am PDT, Mar 23,
David N Moore, Connecticut
# 61:
1:08 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Sharlene Wells, Utah
My daughter is allergic to the artificial red dyes that we think are unnecessary in food and especially in medicine. We have to check the ingredient lists on packaged foods. We ask the pharmacist what is in antibiotics, cough medicines, etc. We check with restaurants and ask if there is red dye in their recipes. Any artificial color is an unnecessary chemical additive with potentially harmful consequences.
My daughter is allergic to the artificial red dyes that we think are unnecessary in food and especially in medicine. We have to check the ingredient lists on packaged foods. We ask the pharmacist what is in antibiotics, cough medicines, etc. We check with restaurants and ask if there is red dye in their recipes. Any artificial color is an unnecessary chemical additive with potentially harmful consequences.
# 60:
1:57 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Emily Fuller, Utah
My own sister has had sensitivities to food dyes. I wish it weren't so hard to find food without artificial color. Also, I lived in Italy for a summer and was amazed at how food there was made with more natural ingredients. It makes me wonder why we Americans eat so much junk. Natural foods simply taste better.
My own sister has had sensitivities to food dyes. I wish it weren't so hard to find food without artificial color. Also, I lived in Italy for a summer and was amazed at how food there was made with more natural ingredients. It makes me wonder why we Americans eat so much junk. Natural foods simply taste better.
# 59:
12:30 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Edward Wells, Utah
# 58:
11:59 am PDT, Mar 18,
Jennifer Oyewole, Utah
I have an allergy to Red #40. It causes anaphylactic shock. For this reason alone, I would like to see artificial food dyes banned in the U.S. I just bought a package of granola bars the other day and then noticed on the ingredient list that they have Red #40. WHY DO PEANUT GRANOLA BARS NEED RED #40????? I am concerned about the effects the dyes have on children as well. I am very concerned about my own child (I am pregnant now with my first) and the effect artificial dyes may have on this child. PLEASE, PLEASE ban artificial dyes in the U.S.
I have an allergy to Red #40. It causes anaphylactic shock. For this reason alone, I would like to see artificial food dyes banned in the U.S. I just bought a package of granola bars the other day and then noticed on the ingredient list that they have Red #40. WHY DO PEANUT GRANOLA BARS NEED RED #40????? I am concerned about the effects the dyes have on children as well. I am very concerned about my own child (I am pregnant now with my first) and the effect artificial dyes may have on this child. PLEASE, PLEASE ban artificial dyes in the U.S.
# 57:
10:25 pm PDT, Mar 15,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 56:
8:38 pm PST, Mar 5,
Frank Vignera, Florida
# 55:
8:36 pm PST, Mar 5,
Lisa Vignera, Florida
# 54:
9:43 am PST, Feb 22,
Gay Russell, Illinois
# 53:
5:19 pm PST, Feb 18,
Joseph Lindsey, Ohio
# 52:
8:03 am PST, Feb 16,
Jake Powell, Texas
There is no reason for dyes. DIE, DYES!
There is no reason for dyes. DIE, DYES!
# 51:
5:46 pm PST, Feb 12,
Laurie Hoff, Ohio
If the FDA stayed on top of problems with food, would this salmonella outbreak still be going on? Congress needs to take the step to protect our children from artificial food dyes because research DOES show the dyes contribute to behavioral problems (The Lancet, 2007) and parents are NOT just hiding behind excuses. Teaching my children to avoid food dyes has not impaired them or made them into hypochondriacs, but rather, it has taught them to stand up against peer pressure, to delay gratification, to do what is best rather than what is easy, and to exercise self control in order to be their best.
If the FDA stayed on top of problems with food, would this salmonella outbreak still be going on? Congress needs to take the step to protect our children from artificial food dyes because research DOES show the dyes contribute to behavioral problems (The Lancet, 2007) and parents are NOT just hiding behind excuses. Teaching my children to avoid food dyes has not impaired them or made them into hypochondriacs, but rather, it has taught them to stand up against peer pressure, to delay gratification, to do what is best rather than what is easy, and to exercise self control in order to be their best.
