Study Finds One in Five Packaged Foods in the US Contains Synthetic Dyes

Recent research has revealed that approximately 19% of packaged food and beverage products available in the United States contain synthetic food dyes. This study, which analyzed ingredient data from nearly 40,000 grocery items, highlights the prevalence of these additives in the American diet. The findings were published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Synthetic dyes are often employed to enhance the visual appeal of products, particularly those aimed at children. However, increasing evidence suggests a potential link between these artificial colors and adverse behavioral effects, such as hyperactivity and inattention in children. The study was conducted by researchers from The George Institute for Global Health, the University of North Carolina, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

The researchers focused on products produced by the top 25 food manufacturers in the US and examined five categories that are frequently marketed to children: confectionery, sugar-sweetened beverages, ready-to-eat meals, breakfast cereals, and baked goods. Notably, 28% of items in these categories contained synthetic dyes, compared to only 11% in other food categories. Additionally, the average sugar content in products with synthetic dyes was found to be 141% higher than that in products without dyes, measuring 33.3 grams per 100 grams versus 13.8 grams per 100 grams.

Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, a research fellow at The George Institute, expressed concern regarding the ongoing presence of synthetic dyes in the food supply. She noted the extensive research conducted over the last four decades that highlights the health risks associated with these additives. The combination of high sugar levels and synthetic dyes in products aimed at children raises further health concerns.

The research identified confectionery companies as the leading contributors to the use of synthetic dyes, with brands like Ferrero and Mars having a high percentage of their products containing these additives. Moreover, 51% of energy drinks produced by PepsiCo and 79% of sports drinks across various manufacturers also contained synthetic dyes.

According to Dr. Thomas Galligan, a principal scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, synthetic food dyes are unnecessary in the US food supply, yet efforts to eliminate them have progressed slowly. While the FDA has recently encouraged the food industry to voluntarily reduce the use of synthetic dyes, past commitments from companies to phase them out have often gone unfulfilled. The effectiveness of this new request remains uncertain.

Dr. Galligan suggested that imposing warning labels on foods containing synthetic dyes, similar to regulations in the European Union, could incentivize manufacturers to reformulate their products. Such labeling would also empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.

Dr. Dunford noted that several states in the US have introduced legislation targeting synthetic dyes, and the findings from this research are expected to assist policymakers in their efforts. In the meantime, she advises parents and health-conscious consumers to scrutinize ingredient labels for synthetic dyes and high sugar content, as avoiding these ingredients may be beneficial, particularly for children's health.