Artificial Coloring
Why should we be wary of synthetic dyes? In 2007, the European Parliament added this warning, based on two British studies: "May have an adverse affect on activity and attention in children." Petitions are currently (Oct. 2008) before the FDA to ban Yellow 5 & 6, Red 3 & 40, Blue 1 & 2, Green 3, and Orange B. These are currently used in the US, but have been abandoned through most of Europe. Hmm!
Here are some examples of their uses:
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Tostitos Hint of Lime: Blue #1 and Red #40; none in UK's Doritos brand.
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Yoplait LightRaspberry Yogurt: Red #40 in the US; Beet juice in the original version
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McDonald's Strawberry Sundae: Red #40 in US; Strawberries in the UK
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Kraft Mac & Cheese: Yellow #5 & 6 in US; Annatto in the organic version
So it's not that these companies can't stop using the dyes easily; they just choose not to. . . .
(www.nutritionaction.org)