Synthetic Food Dyes Common in US Food, Especially for Kids

A new study analyzing nearly 40,000 packaged food and beverage items in the U.S. has revealed that nearly one in five products contain synthetic food dyes. These dyes are often added to enhance the visual appeal of food, but a growing body of evidence suggests they may contribute to behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity and inattention.

The research, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, focused on products from the 25 largest U.S. food manufacturers.

Key Findings on Child-Targeted Foods

The study highlighted significant differences in products marketed directly to children (confectionery, sugary drinks, ready meals, breakfast cereals, and baked goods):

• Higher Dye Use: Synthetic dyes were found in 28% of child-targeted products, compared to only 11% in other food categories.
• Higher Sugar Content: Products containing synthetic dyes had dramatically higher sugar content, averaging 141% more sugar ($33.3\text{g}$ per $100\text{g}$) than dye-free products ($13.8\text{g}$ per $100\text{g}$).

Expert Concern: Dr. Elizabeth Dunford of The George Institute stated, "The high levels of sugar in these brightly colored products suggests that companies are using synthetic dyes to market sweet foods and beverages, but both ingredients are linked to poor health outcomes."

Major Brands Among Top Users

The analysis identified confectionery and beverage companies as the most frequent users of synthetic dyes:

• Confectionery: Ferrero (60%) and Mars (52%) were noted for the highest use among confectionery companies.
• Beverages: 79% of all sports drinks (regardless of brand) and 51% of PepsiCo’s energy drinks contained synthetic dyes.

Slow Progress on Phasing Out Dyes

While the FDA recently asked the food industry to voluntarily phase out synthetic dyes, Dr. Thomas Galligan of the Center for Science in the Public Interest expressed skepticism, noting that companies have failed to keep similar promises in the past.

He suggested that stronger regulatory action, such as mandatory warning labels (similar to those required in the European Union since 2010), would provide a much greater incentive for the industry to change recipes.

In the meantime, researchers encourage consumers to be proactive:

Parents and health-conscious shoppers are urged to scrutinize product labels. According to Dr. Dunford, if an item contains either synthetic food dyes or excessive added sugar, consumers—especially those buying for children—should avoid purchasing it. Would you be interested in seeing a list of the most common synthetic food dyes to look for on ingredient labels?

Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.