The US government announces plans to phase out six popular food colorants containing petroleum, citing concerns over potential health impacts. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and other iconic brands may lose their distinctive colors as a result.
The US government has announced plans to phase out six popular food colorants that contain petroleum due to concerns over their potential health impacts.
Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary Robert F. Kennedy recently announced that the FDA, under his purview, will be eliminating the use of these dyes from food products. According to ‘every ingredient and additive in food that we can legally address,’ The FDA commissioner, Marty Makary, cited a 2007 study published by the Lancet medical journal as evidence for the potential harm caused by these artificial colorants.
However, industry experts disagree with this assessment. The International Association of Color Manufacturers, a food dye industry group, claims that color additives have been rigorously reviewed by global health authorities and found to be safe. They argue that there is no conclusive evidence to support the theory that these dyes cause harm or exacerbate health issues.
Despite the dispute over the scientific evidence, there is growing research suggesting a potential link between artificial colorants and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A 2021 report by the state of California found that synthetic food dyes can induce or worsen hyperactivity in children compared to natural dyes. While this finding has garnered significant attention, it’s essential to note that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between artificial colorants and ADHD symptoms.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8-10% of children and 4-5% of adults in the United States have ADHD.
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors contribute to its development.
Symptoms include difficulty sustaining focus, following instructions, and controlling impulses.
Effective treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.
The ban on these six popular food colorants will likely have a noticeable impact on the appearance of certain products. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Fruit Loops, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew’s Baja Blast flavor are among those that may lose their distinctive colors as a result of this change.
Flamin' Hot Cheetos were created in 1992 by Richard Montañez, a janitor at Frito-Lay.
Inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, Montañez experimented with adding chili peppers to the cheese puffs.
The resulting snack was an instant hit, and Flamin' Hot Cheetos quickly became a staple in American snacking culture.
Today, they remain one of the most popular flavors among Cheetos enthusiasts, known for their bold, spicy flavor.
As the FDA begins to phase out these artificial colorants, consumers can expect to see changes in the food industry. Manufacturers will need to find alternative colorants or reformulate their products to comply with the new regulations. While some may view this development as a positive step towards reducing exposure to potentially hazardous substances, others may be concerned about the potential impact on the food supply and consumer choice.
The FDA is phasing out six popular food colorants that contain petroleum due to concerns over their potential health impacts.
Industry experts dispute the scientific evidence supporting the ban, claiming that color additives have been rigorously reviewed and found to be safe.
Growing research suggests a potential link between artificial colorants and ADHD symptoms in some children.
The ban will likely have a noticeable impact on the appearance of certain products.
Manufacturers will need to adapt to new regulations or reformulate their products to comply with the changes.
