RFK Jr. is moving to eliminate synthetic food dyes. Are they safe?

During a press conference on Tuesday, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., presented a plan to begin eliminating the elimination of eight synthetic food dyes in the US food supply.

The HHS and the United States food and food administration seek to revoke the authorization of two synthetic food dyes and work with food manufacturers to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes used in foods such as cereals, snacks, ice cream and yogurts.

Kennedy has previously expressed his opposition to artificial dyes, claiming that they are harmful and asking them to be eliminated from food and drinks.

Studies have linked dyes with behavioral changes, as well as cancer in animals, suggesting that this can be extended to humans.

Some nutritionists and dietitians say that it is better to avoid artificial food dyes, while others say that more research should be done and that possible negative effects are not yet clear.

What are synthetic dyes and where are they?

Many years ago, there were some synthetic dyes from coal processing by -products, according to the FDA. Today, many dyes are based on oil and are manufactured through chemical processes.

They appear in many different types of foods, including sweets, ice cream, frozen desserts, salty cookies, fries, energy bars, cereals, drinks and more.

Halle Sperstein, a clinical dietitian at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, told ABC News that his research has found that there are about 36,000 products with red No. 40, around 8,000 products containing red No. 3 and approximately one of every 10 products that contain other type of synthetic food dye.

“The other thing to keep in mind is that many products contain multiple oil food dyes, not just a specific one,” he said.

Sandra Zhang, a registered dietary nutritionist and pediatric dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, said that synthetic dyes are very frequent and are used mainly in processed foods and that can be found in supermarkets and groceries.

“Synthetic food dyes are not found in nature, so they are completely made by man,” said Zhang. “And so, they have no nutritional properties or benefits. They are only made to improve the appearance of food.”

What have been studied?

Research has suggested that some synthetic food dyes may be associated with behavioral problems in children and adolescents.

TO Metaanalysis 2012 From the University of Health and Sciences of Oregon, the University of Artificial Foods can affect the behavior of children and exacerbate the symptoms of care deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Other 2012 study The coloration of artificial foods found is not an important cause of ADHD, but it can affect children, whether they are diagnosed or not the condition.

In addition, a Analysis 2022 From the California Environmental Protection Agency and two Universities in California discovered that there may be an association between synthetic food dyes and behavioral problems, even children without a diagnosed behavioral disorder.

In 2019, the FDA saying An advisory committee did not establish a “causal link” between synthetic color additives and behavior effects, but recommended more research on the subject.

Are synthetic food dyes safe?

Experts are divided on the subject. Saperstein said he sees a credible bond between the behavior and consumption of synthetic food dye based on the studies he has read.

Zhang said he is not sure if there is a link between behavioral problems and synthetic food dyes and that more research should be done.

“At least because of my patient care experience, I’m not watching … a child who consumes Gatorade every day makes a big difference,” he said.

He added, however, that the scientific research that links dyes with neurosconducts was carried out in animals.

If synthetic dyes are safe or not, experts agree that it is better to limit artificial food coloration consumption when possible.

Jennifer Pomeranz, associate professor of policies and public health management at the Nyu Public Health School of the NYU, said she believes that there is no need for artificial food dyes in the food supply because they do not act as preservatives and that they have no nutritional benefit.

“There are natural dyes that [companies] You can use, “he said.” And, frankly, there really is no need for such a brilliant food supply. “

Earlier this year, under the administration of former President Joe Biden, the FDA said it was moving to prohibit the use of network No. 3 in food, drinks and medications after it was discovered that it caused cancer in rats.

After Kennedy’s announcement about the elimination of other synthetic dyes, the International Color Manufacturers Association, the Commercial Association for the Color Additive Industry, issued a statement criticizing the HHS decision.

“Color additives have been rigorously reviewed by global health authorities, such as the United States Food and Medicines Administration, the European Food Security Authority and the Joint Expert Committee on experts about expert additives, without security concerns,” said the statement. “Require reformulation at the end of 2026 ignores scientific evidence and underestimated the complexity of food production”

What about natural alternatives?

During Tuesday’s press conference, the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, mentioned watermelon juice and carrot juice as natural alternatives to synthetic dyes.

Some food manufacturers use concentrated forms of natural pigments found in fruits and plants, such as beets, blackberries, paprika, saffron, tamarind and turmeric, such as dyes.

As the food industry changes to natural dyes, more research must be done to study their safety and formulate regulations on concentration levels, said Zhang.

The FDA said Tuesday that it is Rapid Review Monitoring Of four new natural color additives: calcium phosphate, blue galdieria extract, garden blue and excerpt from butterfly peas flowers.

Gardenia Blue and Butterfly’s flower flower extract comes from plants, blue Galdieria extract comes from algae and calcium phosphate is a chemical compound.

Experts say that food companies use synthetic dyes to color their products because they are cheaper compared to natural dyes. Some companies have declared that their products are safe for consumption, and are following the federal standards established by the FDA.

Saperstein said that another reason why companies could use synthetic dyes is psychological, because people are more attracted by bright foods than foods with dull colors.

“We have seen stories of companies that change [to natural dyes] And they feel that it is not bright enough, so they return, “Pomeranz said.