tidewaterreview.com

Join us at noon CT (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT) on Tuesday, April 12, for an hour-long chat about the food dye and hyperactivity controversy, with Chicago Tribune health reporter Julie Deardorff and panelists Michael Jacobson and Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob.

Research is mixed over whether synthetic food dyes can affect some children’s behavior. Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) won't be putting labels on foods containing the dyes any time soon, more research is warranted, according to a federal advisory panel. But is this the end of the story? Why did the FDA hold the recent hearing? And why has Europe required warnings on some foods that contain dyes?

Michael Jacobson heads the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a nonprofit health advocacy organization that has urged the FDA to place warning labels on products containing synthetic food coloring. Jacobson has written numerous books and reports, including Nutrition Scoreboard, Six Arguments for a Greener Diet, “Salt: the Forgotten Killer,” and "Liquid Candy: How Soft Drinks are Harming Americans' Health."

Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob is the director of Nutrition Clinic Services at the Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation & Rehabilitation Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A pediatrician and registered dietitian, he has worked extensively in the area of obesity, heart health and family dynamics and specializes in motivational counseling. He has been a strong advocate against fad dieting and nutrition fraud and is a national expert on food and nutrition issues, including food allergies, pediatric nutrition and eating behavior issues. Dr. Ayoob co-authored the American Dietetic Association's position paper on food and nutrition misinformation, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA), where he also served on the editorial board for four years.

Health chat: Food dye and hyperactivity

(04/12/2011)

  

Close

11:45

Chicago Tribune:  Thank you for joining our chat. Feel free to submit your questions. We'll go live at noon. Tuesday April 12, 2011 11:45 Chicago Tribune

12:00

Julie Deardorff:  Hello everyone, Welcome to our chat on synthetic food dyes, which are found in most processed foods. Research is mixed on whether food dyes can affect children’s behavior. In response to a petition filed by the advocacy group the Centers for Science in the Public Interest, a federal advisory panel recently met to examine the scientific evidence on this long controversial topic. My guests today are CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson and Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob, an expert in pediatric nutrition at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and registered dietitian. Welcome to both of you. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:00 Julie Deardorff

12:01

Michael Jacobson:  Hi, Julie. I look forward to the "chatting." Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:01 Michael Jacobson

12:01

Keith Ayoob:  Hi Julie and Michael. Looking forward to our discussion. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:01 Keith Ayoob

12:01

Julie Deardorff:  Let¿s get started with some background. What are synthetic dyes made of and what is the concern? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:01 Julie Deardorff

12:02

Michael Jacobson:  Dyes are complex, synthetic chemicals (they used to be made from coal tar). There are two key problems: (a) they impair the behavior of some kids; (b) several dyes have been linked to cancer concerns. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:02 Michael Jacobson

12:03

Keith Ayoob:  I'm not a food technologist, but there are "certified" colors and "non-certified" colors. They may have some effects on some kids, but as for the cancer issue, that's not as clear. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:03 Keith Ayoob

12:04

[Comment From Hemi Weingarten-FooducateHemi Weingarten-Fooducate: ]  1. Why did the UK health authorities reach different conclusions than the FDA regarding artificial dyes? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:04 Hemi Weingarten-Fooducate

12:07

Michael Jacobson:  A year ago the FDA said there was no evidence that dyes affect behavior, but now the agency agrees that dyes do affect the behavior of some kids (especially kids with hyperactivity). The FDA hasn't done anything in recent weeks, but an advisory committee said there wasn't enough evidence that dyes affect the average child (without behavior problems). The British government has urged companies to stop using dyes because of two studies it sponsored, which indicated (but didn't prove) that dyes affect kids in the general population. After that, the European Parliament required a warning notice on most dyed foods---a course that the FDA could follow. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:07 Michael Jacobson

12:07

[Comment From JanelleJanelle: ]  Is there a difference between "synthetic dyes" and "artificial food coloring"? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:07 Janelle

12:07

Keith Ayoob:  Synthetic is an FDA definition. I'm not sure there's really a difference, except a semantic one. Basically, they have to be manufactured. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:07 Keith Ayoob

12:08

Michael Jacobson:  Dyes are synthetic chemicals, but colorings from natural sources also could be used. Both types of substances can be used to artificially color foods. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:08 Michael Jacobson

12:09

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]  Why does it seem so illogical to believe that synthetic chemicals can effect the nervous system and brain? Why do we have so many barriers and resistance? This just seems like common sense to me? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:09 Amy

12:11

Keith Ayoob:  It's not illogical. There may be a subset of people who are sensitive to food colors, just as there are people who have sensitivities to lots of natural foods. Perhaps the bigger issue is -- do such sensitivites in a small number of people need to be legislated? Perhaps we should have merely a label identifying foods with colors -- although the ingredient label could serve that purpose as well. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:11 Keith Ayoob

12:12

[Comment From Perla C. EricksonPerla C. Erickson: ]  Why do we have those food dyes here in the United States that are/were found carcinogenic in Europe. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:12 Perla C. Erickson

12:13

Michael Jacobson:  Different governments evaluate the data differently. At least two of the dyes with carcinogenic contaminants are used both in the U.S. and Europe: Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:13 Michael Jacobson

12:14

[Comment From LisaLisa: ]  Not being familiar with any of the studies, is there a source that parents can go to to familiarize themselves with the studies and more specifically the food products that contain the dyes? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:14 Lisa

12:14

Michael Jacobson:  www.cspinet.org/fooddyes has our 2008 petition and other information that describes the status of the research. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:14 Michael Jacobson

12:16

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]  Many parents all over the world have treated their children's behavior and learning problems by removing synthetic dyes from their diet. This should be the #1 recommended treatment by pediatricians. We saw a change within one-week! Instead, children are prescribed medications to treat their symptoms (that often have food-dye) Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:16 Amy

12:18

Keith Ayoob:  The truth about the studies is that they don't really give clear results. Many studies have conflicting results. Some show that some kids can be sensitive to colors, other show nothing. Sometimes you don't know the doses of the colors or which color may be producing a response, so the research is far crom clear. That said, if a parent feels that there may be a sensitivity, simply remove coloring from the child's diet -- it's not as difficult as you may think -- and see if there is a result. The truth is that most children just don't respond. Even without coloring, a child can still have ADHD -- please be clear about that. Colors most often appear in "less than nutritious" foods. Remove those and the quality of the child's diet improves. We still need to focus on nutrition. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:18 Keith Ayoob

12:18

[Comment From Hemi Weingarten-FooducateHemi Weingarten-Fooducate: ]  3. It's interesting to note that in the recent FDA vote on the matter of warning labels 6 people voted FOR WARNINGS, while 8 voted against. What are the industry affiliations of those who voted against? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:18 Hemi Weingarten-Fooducate

12:19

Michael Jacobson:  The people who voted against warning labels didn't appear to have industry connections, but apparently believed that there should be proof that dyes affect average kids. They didn't want to inform parents that dyes might affect their children (whether or not they suffered from behavior problems). That close vote, though, certainly gives the FDA leeway to require a warning...and it adds pressure on companies to voluntarily stop using dyes. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:19 Michael Jacobson

12:19

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Is the mechanism by which the dyes might impact behavior understood? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:19 Guest

12:21

Keith Ayoob:  The mechanism is not really understood perhaps because most children just don't respond one way or another to colors. In one study, teachers noticed no difference at all in the classroom, even though parents did. Also, in the most recent study, 3-year-olds were given an amount of color that would be present in 1/4 pound of candy. The 8-year-olds got an amount present in 1/2 pound of candy. If I had those kids in my office, the main issue would be the amount of candy they were getting, and that speaks to a parenting issue. The kids have a bad diet. Removing the colors leaves them with a color-free bad diet. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:21 Keith Ayoob

12:21

Do you try to avoid artificial food dyes? Yes  ( 66% ) No  ( 34% ) Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:21

12:22

[Comment From Janelle -HealthyChild.orgJanelle -HealthyChild.org: ]  Are these dyes really used in anything besides junk foods? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:22 Janelle -HealthyChild.org

12:22

Michael Jacobson:  Dyes are used mostly in junk foods--sugary cereals, cheap ice creams, sugary drinks, etc.--but some foods aren't so junky, such as salad dressing. Biggest surprises? Most pickles and some matzoh balls. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:22 Michael Jacobson

12:22

[Comment From MaryMary: ]  What can I do as a parent to help change the foods that our schools are serving to eliminate these dyes and preservatives? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:22 Mary

12:25

Keith Ayoob:  If you feel it's an issue, ask to speak to the school food service director. As an alternative, you can send your child to school with his/her own lunch. Keep in mind that we're dealing with an issue that brings strong emotions but not (yet) a lot of science. If some chidlren have sensitivity, that needs to be first established, and then addressed. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:25 Keith Ayoob

12:25

Julie Deardorff:  Back up for a second. Pickles? Michael, why do they use food dye in pickles? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:25 Julie Deardorff

12:25

Michael Jacobson:  I think pickles would be gray without the added yellow coloring. Sometimes a natural coloring is used (turmeric). Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:25 Michael Jacobson

12:26

Keith Ayoob:  They wouldn't really be4 gray, but they'd be not a bright green. Also, some people like a yellow tint, like with bread-and-butter pickles. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:26 Keith Ayoob

12:26

[Comment From KarenKaren: ]  Can you talk about the cancer risks associated with dyes still used in U.S. food manufacturing? Are these risks extended to all age groups or are there certain groups that are more vulnerable? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:26 Karen

12:28

Michael Jacobson:  The risk of cancer from Red 3, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 is too small to show up in overall cancer rates. But there's no point in allowing even a tiny amount of extra cancer risk due to dyes. Presumably, infants and toddlers would be the most sensitive to any carcinogen, but there are no data to show that that's the case for dyes. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:28 Michael Jacobson

12:28

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]  Many food items that are marketed to children are advertised as nutritious, but still have food-dyes. Examples include; cereals, yogurts and fruit snacks. Parents truly believe they are providing a healthy diet, although they have been brainwashed by the advertising. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:28 Amy

12:31

Keith Ayoob:  Many of these foods are nutritious. Some also use natural colors. Colors do not change the nutritional content, but removing them doesn't improve the nutritional content either. Given what we know now, the coloring issue remains a personal one. If consumers demanded that colors be removed, they probably would be. Cost may increase a bit, and most ADHD children would probably remain with ADHD. Color sensitivty doesn't affect every child with ADHD -- we need to be clear about this. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:31 Keith Ayoob

12:31

[Comment From AiciaAicia: ]  What about the dyes in personal care products like mouthwash. Aren't they also the same? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:31 Aicia

12:32

Keith Ayoob:  The coloring is the same, but with toothpaste and mouthwash these are not ingested. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:32 Keith Ayoob

12:32

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Where would you rank food dyes in the category of all the additives we should watch carefully? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:32 Guest

12:32

Michael Jacobson:  Food dyes clearly affect some children, which is reason enough to ban them (or require a strong warning). In addition, several dyes pose a small cancer risk. Several artificial sweeteners also may pose a risk, though the evidence isn't conclusive (saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K). Most other additives are not as controversial, though several cause sometimes-severe GI symptoms (sorbitol, mycoprotein in Quorn foods, olestra in a couple of brands of fat-free chips). Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:32 Michael Jacobson

12:34

Keith Ayoob:  Most likely, cancer risk is minimal, in the quantities people are likely to ingest. If you're taking huge amounts, your diet is unbalanced, no question about it. If you eat a balanced diet, few beverages with added sugar (where MOST of the food colors are obtained in people's diets) then your consumption is very minimal and your concern is minimal as well. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:34 Keith Ayoob

12:35

Michael Jacobson:  GI = gastrointestinal Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:35 Michael Jacobson

12:35

[Comment From J.O.J.O.: ]  Do you try to avoid ingesting synthetic food dyes, or giving them to your children? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:35 J.O.

12:36

Michael Jacobson:  I avoid dyes, mostly because they're used in junky foods...and we keep most junky foods out of our house. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:36 Michael Jacobson

12:36

Julie Deardorff:  I try to, but it's not easy. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:36 Julie Deardorff

12:38

Keith Ayoob:  Actually, I don't ingest a huge amount, because I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. I like those foods. But sometimes I'll eat a cookie or piece of candy or some yogurt and honestly, it's not an issue for me. It's not as present as you think in a nutrient-rich diet because there's not that much room for it. If it's occasional, it's not an issue. My indulgence of choice is dark chocolate. There's no coloring in that either. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:38 Keith Ayoob

12:38

[Comment From NicholeNichole: ]  Wouldn't US food manufacturers want to simplify their production by taking out the artificial colors from US products if they sell the same, but naturally colored products in Europe? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:38 Nichole

12:38

Michael Jacobson:  Dyes are usually used to cheat people: using artificial coloring and flavoring instead of real food. Chemicals are cheaper...and synthetic dyes are cheaper, brighter, and more stable than natural ingredients or colorings derived from nature (blueberries, red cabbage, etc.). Most company officials tell me that they won't change their ingredients unless the government tells them to...as the British government and European Union have done. But kudos to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Starbucks for not selling foods with synthetic dyes. Frito-Lay is moving in the same direction, even for Cheetos and Doritos! Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:38 Michael Jacobson

12:39

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]  The fact that any child would be affected by food dyes should be enough to cause concern. Parents need to be educated. Warning labels would be very helpful. Parents are always going to make the final choice anyway. Removing the food-dyes is non-invasive and allows the parent to be in control. Avoiding medications that have side-effects should be number #1 consideration. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:39 Amy

12:42

Keith Ayoob:  Keep in mind that ANYONE can be allergic or sensitive to ANY food. That doesn't mean it requires ligislation. If a child is allergic to milk, it doesn't mean milk should be banned from schools (I know of one private school that has done this.) Parents always have the opportunity to look at ingredient labels if they're concerned. Better yet, keep the empty-calorie drinks to a minimum and you'll remove most of the colors. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:42 Keith Ayoob

12:42

[Comment From J.O.J.O.: ]  Is there a web site or list accessable to the general public listing off those foods that have/do not have food dyes? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:42 J.O.

12:42

Michael Jacobson:  Go to http://www.iatp.org/brainfoodselector/ for a list of foods with dyes. Also, my organization just published an app called "Chemical Cuisine" at iTunes and Droids that describes the use and safety of almost all common additives. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:42 Michael Jacobson

12:42

[Comment From WendyWendy: ]  I have a child that went from a C student to a A student just by cutting out dyes and high fructose corn syrup. We eat every healthy but I was surprised the hidden dyes in yogurt and juices that I thought were made with real fruit. My son has never been officially diagnosed with ADD but I feel we are controlling it with his diet. Do you find this for other parents Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:42 Wendy

12:45

Michael Jacobson:  An interesting study in NYC schools found that removing dyes, preservatives, etc. resulted in better grades. I hope that other researchers will try to repeat and refine that study. Also, even the FDA agrees that some ingredients other than dyes affect behavior. There are interesting studies of children with hyperactivity, etc. showing that the behavior of a majority of kids improves when dyes, preservatives, wheat, soy, dairy, and other ingredients are taken out of their diets. (But no one is urging that wheat, soy, dairy, etc. be outlawed!) Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:45 Michael Jacobson

12:45

[Comment From KanthaKantha: ]  How viable and sustainable are natural colors? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:45 Kantha

12:45

Keith Ayoob:  They're more expensive than certified colors and the supply is likely less consistent, subject to climate, supply/demand, etc. I can imagine that if manufacturers could eliminated dyes and colors of all kinds, they'd love to -- the expense is considerable from either. Consumers eat with their eyes though, and consumer demand will probably determine whether colors are continued in foods or not. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:45 Keith Ayoob

12:46

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Hello Dr. Ayoob, Michael and all....I am a Masters Student in Nutrition at Columbia and have also spent a quite deal of time over in Europe. It is promising to hear that the government in the UK is requiring labeling for products containing these substances. Given the stronghold industry has in this country and the limited resources available within the FDA, it would seem to me that one of the stronger ways of making this happen is through consumer activity. What are your thoughts as to the best methods of getting something real to happen here in the states? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:46 Guest

12:47

Michael Jacobson:  The Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the FDA to ban dyes or require a warning notice. While we wait for FDA action, more can be done. You have until tomorrow to ask the USDA to ban dyes from school meals, for instance. You could also press for local or state health departments to alert consumers to the risks posed by dyes or ban dyed foods from government cafeterias and vending machines. Good luck! Go to www.cspinet.org/fooddyes for more information on dyes. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:47 Michael Jacobson

12:49

[Comment From KarenKaren: ]  I know (and respect) artisan bakers and pastry chefs who use artificial dyes because they say they can't get the results they want otherwise. What do you recommend for culinary professionals in this category? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:49 Karen

12:49

Keith Ayoob:  You bring up an interesting point. Some colors have other properties that are useful for the results bakers want -- the browning, etc. There are choices. The choices should probably remain options for people, as should the choice to avoid colors if you so choose. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:49 Keith Ayoob

12:50

[Comment From J.O.J.O.: ]  As an addendum to my earlier question on a list of foods with food dyes - would this list have the amount of dye? I can see eating something with trace amounts but - Skittles - which I'm guessing is a big offender - would be X amount *worse*..... Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:50 J.O.

12:50

Michael Jacobson:  There is almost no information on how much dye servings of different foods contain. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:50 Michael Jacobson

12:51

[Comment From KanthaKantha: ]  What are the chances that the FDA will actually ban the use of synthetic food colors this year? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:51 Kantha

12:53

Keith Ayoob:  Probably not likely. They may issue a warnign label, but my guess is that they'd like to see some well-done research that would answer this question better than the studies that have been done thus far. The studies so far have not always been well-done. This type of research is very difficult to dlo, to be sure, but better and more studies need to be done to determine specific effects of specific colors, any quantities, circumstances, the works. Until that happens, the FDA may hold off. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:53 Keith Ayoob

12:53

Michael Jacobson:  It's very unlikely that the FDA will ban dyes because of their effects on hyperactivity. That's partly because most studies used mixtures of dyes, so it can't be proven which particular dyes are the culprits...and the FDA would need to ban dyes one by one. Yellow 5, however, was tested on its own and caused behavioral problems. The FDA could ban that dye. Also, the FDA should ban Yellows 5 and 6, because of their carcinogenic contaminants, and Red 3, which the FDA itself wanted to ban around 1985 but was stopped from doing so by the fruit-cocktail industry and USDA. Let's hope that the FDA would at least agree to a warning label. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:53 Michael Jacobson

12:54

[Comment From Hemi Weingarten-FooducateHemi Weingarten-Fooducate: ]  4. How much money is saved by a manufacturer using an artificial dye compared to a natural one? Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:54 Hemi Weingarten-Fooducate

12:54

Michael Jacobson:  Dyes are much cheaper than natural colorings, but one major food processor said that the difference is trivial in comparison to all the other costs of producing packaged foods. That company is switching. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:54 Michael Jacobson

12:55

Keith Ayoob:  They probably save some money, but artificial colors are expensive also. Moreover, the supply of natural colors is not always consistent and natural colors don't always give the desired properties. They may not adhere to fats or proteins the same way, they may not give uniform color, etc. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:55 Keith Ayoob

12:55

[Comment From Hemi Weingarten-FooducateHemi Weingarten-Fooducate: ]  5. why not err to the side of caution until the tests are more conclusive. put warning labels on products as a precautionary measure. just like warnings for the big 8 allergens. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:55 Hemi Weingarten-Fooducate

12:57

Michael Jacobson:  Yes, the FDA should err on the side of caution, but it is under pressure from the food industry not to. In contrast, the British government urged companies not to use dyes just to be on the safe side (for consumers). By the way, the British government doesn't have the authority to ban dyes; that is reserved for the European Union, which required warning notices. That's probably the death knell for dyes in Europe (though they were never used as widely there as in the U.S.). Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:57 Michael Jacobson

12:58

Keith Ayoob:  The FDA may do this. But keep in mind that all foods can have sensitivities associated with them. Think of prunes, or beans. No warning labels on these foods but they can produce some interesting side effects in sensitive persons. Until then, if you feel you have a sensitivty to a food ro a color, you'll always have the ingredient label on the package and it should be used. Tuesday April 12, 2011 12:58 Keith Ayoob

1:01

Michael Jacobson:  To sum up, if your kids suffer from behavioral problems, you should try putting them on a Feingold diet or just keeping them away from dyes. That would be a better (and harmless) first choice instead of Ritalin or other drug. But if "purifying" your child's diet doesn't work, then talk to you doctor. But every parent should realize that dyes are usually used in junk foods that are largely devoid of nutritional value. Avoiding foods with dyes will probably improve your child's diet. Good luck! Tuesday April 12, 2011 1:01 Michael Jacobson

1:02

Keith Ayoob:  There may be some individual sensitivities to colors or symptoims may be exacerbated in some children. At this point, it appears to be a small number of children, even among those with ADHD. Not everything needs to be legislated, as any food can produce a sensitivity. Removing the color from an unbalanced diet creates a color-free unbalanced diet. I'm left to deal with that and legislation won't help me there. I encourage parents to fovcus on giving their kids the best, most balanced diet possible, that includes frutis, vegetables, now-fat dairy, and physical activity. Also -- ADHD symptoms may even be helped by extra physical activity. Let's not leave out the missing nutrient of phsyical activity. Tuesday April 12, 2011 1:02 Keith Ayoob

1:02

Julie Deardorff:  That's all the questions we have time to get to this week. I'd like to thanks our experts, Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob and Michael Jacobson for their time and thoughtful responses. Our next chat, hosted by Tribune reporter Bruce Japsen, will look at how a national wave of hospital sales and mergers may impact your patient care. It will be on Thurs., April 14, at 11 a.m. CT. Tuesday April 12, 2011 1:02 Julie Deardorff

1:02