Hidden dangers of food colours and dyes in 'healthy' fruit juices, yoghurt and more

Food colour could be sneaking in your child's diet in various ways!

Written By: Naz Haider | Published : August 11, 2016 12:55 PM IST

As a parent, I made sure not to give salt or sugar to my baby till she turned one, and even after that I had to limit her sugar, specifically chocolate, candy and ice cream. Then came all the policing with regards to junk food. If you are a parent, you will understand when I say that it is very difficult to ensure that your child eats healthy. When I was done worrying about trans-fat and excess sodium, I woke up to the reality of food colours or food dyes and how food colours are part of even 'healthy' food products!

Before I start on the shocking facts about food colours, let's understand why I am concerned. Food colours or dyes are usually synthesised from coal or petroleum. Red and yellow food colours have been found to be carcinogenic [1]. Not just that, many food colours have been linked to behavioural issues in kids [1,2].

Now, here's the shocking part. There are many things we do not know about food colours and many times, we don't even realise that our kids are consuming it. Here are a few things all parents should know about food colours.

Also Read

Even 'healthy' food products are coloured: Fruit muffins, breakfast cereal (think fruit loops), fruit juices, health drinks or sports drinks, yoghurt, milk products and packaged finger foods can be coloured with food dyes. These food colours can pose major health risks [3].
Food dyes are present in non-food products: Did you know that the strawberry flavoured toothpaste that your daughter loves is coloured! Vitamins, mouthwashes and even medications contain food colours.
Food labels don't state food colours clearly: You know a food product contains food colour when the label mentions permitted food colours or artificial food colours, but a lot of times colours are labelled as 'caramel' or 'Red#40'.
Food colours are added to attract kids: Wondering why your toddler refuses the mango juice you make at home but happily gulps the mixed fruit juice you got from the store? It is the food colour with all the sugar.
Food colour toxicity is linked with behavioural issues: A study [2] has linked artificial food colouring with behavioural issues in kids. The study also says that many food colours are carcinogenic.

The best thing, in my opinion, is to feed your child either organic or homemade food, but be careful with those too. Did you know that even spices can be adulterated? I have started making snacks instead of buying the store-bought ones. My daughter especially loves the homemade muesli bar.What measures are you taking? Please share your opinions in the comments below.

With inputs from Sneha Sadhwani, nutritionist.

References

1. Kobylewski S, Jacobson MF. Toxicology of food dyes. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2012 Jul-Sep;18(3):220-46. doi: 10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000034. Review. PubMed PMID: 23026007.

2. Potera, C. (2010). DIET AND NUTRITION: The Artificial Food Dye Blues.Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(10), A428.

3. Sumita Dixit , S.K. Purshottam , S.K. Khanna & Mukul Das Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A Volume 28 2011 - Issue 8

Image source: Shutterstock