Yellow dye, also called tartrazine, is present in many foods, something that causes concern for many people. Some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, experience an increase in hyper behavior, restlessness and problems paying attention when yellow dye is consumed, reports CBS News. Because of this evidence, the Center for Science in Public Interest, or CSPI, has petitioned the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, to stop using it to color foods.
Candy
Candy that is bright yellow likely gets its hue from yellow dye, although candy doesn't have to be yellow to contain this dye. Most of the concern regarding the use of food dyes is because of their potential effects on children, including aggression, asthma, hives, sleep disturbances and problems with cognition, according to the the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, or IATP. The U.K. already has voluntarily banned the use of tartrazine, reports the IATP. Candy that is made with yellow dye includes apple-flavored Sour Punch Bites, Gummi Bears, Hershey's Rainbow Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, Jelly Belly beans and M&M's. Many flavors of Trident gum also contain yellow dye to make it more appealing. Candy is often marketed specifically for children, but if your child is sensitive to it, you likely will have to avoid giving it to him. The labels on candy will tell you whether it contains yellow dye.
Fast Food
Most children eat fast food on occasion, but it is a surprising hidden source of yellow dye. You might not be able to tell it is there simply by looking for a bright yellow color. According to the CSPI, tartrazine is the second most commonly used food dye and it can show up in places you might not think of. The IATP reports that the pickle slices, honey mustard dipping sauce and the mozzarella cheese sticks at Jack in the Box contain yellow dye. McDonald's Triple Thick Shake contains tartrazine as does the mayonnaise used at Wendy's. Many of the baked goods at Panera are hidden sources of yellow food dye, including the Orange Scone, Pumpkin Muffin and Very Chocolate Brownie. If you or your child are sensitive to yellow dye, you might need to skip fast food.
Cereal
Cereal is sold in most supermarkets in the United States, but many of the brightly colored varieties contain tartrazine. According to CBS News, children who suffer from ADHD might notice a dramatic improvement when yellow dye is removed from their diet, along with other food dyes. Since many of these brightly colored cereals are marketed for kids, many children might be suffering health consequences from eating them. Count Chocula, Reese's Puffs, Life Cereal, Fruity Pebbles and Cap'n Crunch all have yellow dye, according to the IATP. Cereals that are made with whole grains and are not the colors of the rainbow are typically free of yellow dye, but the ingredients panel will tell you for sure.
References
- Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: "Smart Guide to Food Dyes: Buying Foods That Can Help Learning"; February 2009
- CBS News: "The Truth About Food (Dyes)"; Nancy Cordes; June 3, 2008
- Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: "IATP Brain Food Selector"
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: "Chemical Cuisine: A Guide to Food Additives"; May 2008
