Local dietitian discusses proposed ban on food dyes

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – After the federal government made a promise to remove food coloring from the food supply, NEWS10 talked to a local expert about the alleged harmful impacts of food dyes. 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has vowed to work with food companies to phase out artificial dyes. A local dietitian discussed the proposed ban on those dyes.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the department would work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to phase out 8 artificial food dyes by the end of next year. 

Capital Cardiology Associates Dietitian Amanda Travis MS, RD, CDN said they’re mostly found in processed foods.

“The things that make our Fruit Loops that bright color. We see them in a lot of processed foods. The problem is although it’s appealing to the consumer there’s not really a nutritional benefit to food dyes and there is some research to suggest there may be some negative health impacts to them,” said Travis.

The petroleum based synthetic dyes the feds are looking to eliminate from the food supply and medications include: Citrus Red No. 2, Orange B, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2.

“We don’t know why they’re in our food. We don’t know what they do. There’s some research that might suggest there’s a link to ADHD, some cancers. There’s kind of some debate over the health impacts of the food dyes, but again there’s no nutritional benefit to them, so why have them in there if there’s a potential risk.,” said Travis.

Travis said she thinks it will be difficult for both food companies and consumers to get accustomed to but said it’s better safe than sorry.

“I know some of the concerns from the major food companies is, of course, the cost, the shelf life. A lot of these natural products they’re not gonna have that vibrant color that’s gonna stay vibrant for as long,” said Travis.

She suggests natural, recognizable ingredients, like carrot and beetroot juice.

“There are a ton of great natural alternatives and you see them being used in other countries in Canada, in Europe. And so it doesn’t have to be as brilliant of colors. We can still have nice colorful foods, but from a natural way,” said Travis.

She’s glad dyes are a topic of discussion and advises everyone to be aware of what they’re consuming. She said to read product labels to know what’s in them. 

“If you’re concerned about the food dyes, if you’re worried about what’s in your food, your best bet is always to go with your more natural, less processed options. So when you’re at the grocery store, try to spend most of your time in the produce section, in the outer perimeter of the grocery store. Try to avoid as much as you can those inner aisles where there are those ultra processed foods,” said Travis.