New study reveals one in five foods and drinks in the US have synthetic dyes as ‘worst offenders’ named

In the United States, a food and drinks packed in five in the United States contain synthetic dyes This was associated with behavioral problems in children, the researchers warned on Wednesday.

Dyes, which are Used to make items more colorful And attracting consumers, are generally made from oil. Previous research of California state And His schools has shown that they can cause or worsen hyperactivity in some children.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration announced plans to eliminate the use of these dyes in the country’s food supply, citing health problems. Companies have undertaken to act in accordance with health officials and Gatorade-Maker Pepsico said in April that it removed artificial colors. Kraft Heinz is committed to Eliminate all chemical dietary dyes within two years. The company manufactures the Staples American Kool-Aid and Jello-O, which also contain several types of dyes.

Now, the University of North Carolina, the Center for Science in the public interest based in DC, and international researchers from the George Institute for Global Health claim that an analysis of 39,763 grocery products has given results.

“Given the accumulation of evidence in the past 40 years, indicating the sanitary damage to synthetic dyes, it is disappointing to see that they are still so widespread in our food system, in particular in products designed to use children,” said Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, said a researcher at the George Institute and an assistant assistant teacher at the University of North Carolina, statement.

Dunford led the research, which was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“The high levels of sugar in these brightly colored products suggest that companies use synthetic dyes to market sweet foods and drinks, but the two ingredients are linked to poor health results,” she added.

To achieve these conclusions, Dunford and its co-authors assessed ingredients for foods produced by the 25 main manufacturers of American food products. They specifically focused on the five most marketed food categories for children, including sweet foods, sugary drinks, ready-to-eat meals, breakfast cereals and pastries.

The products of these categories were more likely to contain the dyes, which proved to be present in 28%. In addition, the average sugar content of products containing the dyes was 141% more than in those without coloring.

The National Association of Confectioners said in a statement that the study had “major shortcomings” and that it “ignores exposure to consumers”.

“Also, unlike the authors’ assertions, Chocolate and candy companies mentioned in this study do not advertise children under 12 as part of a long -standing commitment,“He said.

Several companies have been identified as the “worst offenders”. More than half of Pepsico’s energy drinks contained synthetic dyes, as well as 79% of all drinks for sportsmen included. This includes Gatorade, which contains several synthetic dyes to provide its vibrant colors.

Regarding sweet foods, Ferrero and Mars have used the most synthetic dyes. Ferrero, who acquired Nestlé confectionery activities in 2018, produces sweets and other colorful candies that use dyes.

“Ferrero and its related affiliated companies, including Ferrara Candy Company, are and will continue to comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations, including those related to food additives. Our products are sure to appreciate, “said a spokesperson for Ferrero The New York Post.

None of the companies immediately responded to requests for comments from The independent.

The results indicate, according to the authors, that companies had not deleted the dyes.

“The Food and Drug Administration has recently asked the Food Industry of Phase Voluntarily Synthetic Draviations outside the food supply, but many companies had previously made promises to stop using them, then have not required these promises. It therefore remains to be seen if food companies will comply with this new request.”

He said the administration requires warning labels on these foods.

“But until the regulation process catches up with science, parents and consumers concerned about their health should always check the label of the ingredients for synthetic dyes and for high levels of added sugar,” said Dunford. “If a product contains either, you’d better buy it, especially for your children.”