Inflammatory title? Absosmurfly. Why? BECAUSE THEY DO. How many foods do your children eat that have artificial dyes? Did you know that the FDA has decided there is no definitive link between dyes and reactions kids have? Obviously, they’ve never given my oldest child a glass of Hawaiian Punch. I even brought up this issue with my doctor. He informed me it’s a very common thing for kids to not be able to tolerate red dye. Red dye #40 is made from petroleum and coal tar. Yes, you are feeding your child PETROLEUM, and the FDA allows it and says there’s no link to reactions kids have to eating PETROLEUM. If doctors and parents are seeing this link, you know I say to the FDA? You’ve got your heads in the sand.
Riddle me this: If you aren’t letting your child sit down with a jar of Vaseline for snack time, why are you letting them eat foods with red dye in them?
Oh, and then there’s the study that claims naked Cheetos weren’t as well liked without the color. Did they also include the MSG? Did you know that Utz is the ONLY brand of flavored snack in the chip aisle that does NOT use MSG? How do I know this? Because MSG give me migraines, and I have to read all the labels. No more Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos, or even other brands of BBQ and sour cream and onion chips for me. Only Utz from now on. And you know what? The Utz chips are really good, so this can be achieved without artificial colors because my older son who can’t have red dye CAN eat their BBQ chips as well. So if Utz can do it, why can’t the other companies? Hmmmmmm? Doesn’t make a lot of sense if you ask me.
And if you go to the article, they show gray popsicles. That’s ridiculous. If Edy’s can have all fruit popsicles without artificial dyes that are tasty, why can’t everyone else? The sprinkles argument for cupcakes is just plain stupid too. I’ve gotten sprinkles that are artificial dye free (and gluten free too!) at the grocery store that are plenty colorful. Their arguments for using the artificial dyes just aren’t making sense to me when there are natural things that produce the same effect. Oh wait, is it because it’s not CHEAP? Ohhhhhh. Well if that’s the case, I’m sorry, but you can’t put a price on my family’s health.
While I”m on my soapbox, let’s talk medications. My older son has had a nasty croupy cough for a week now (yes, I know croup isn’t typically seen in 9yo kids. My kid is odd, what can I say?). Do you have ANY idea how hard it’s been to find medicines to keep him comfortable just so he can get some sleep at night? It’s absolutely, positively INSANE to try and find medications for kids that don’t have red dye. This is true for OTC and prescription medications. Frankly, I’m tired of it. There is NO reason those dyes need to be in medications too. Sure, there are a select few medications that have gone dye free, but have you seen them? The pain relievers are thick and nasty. My kid gags on them. Why can’t we have chewables or pills without artificial colorings? And yes, I WOULD pay more to get them (but I shouldn’t have to) so my child wouldn’t have to suffer through simple cold symptoms that most of us can get relief for.
All of these artificial dyes in our foods have no purpose. I don’t care what anyone says. They DO produce reactions in kids. Not just some kids, but a wide enough number that doctors and parents are taking notice. It’s time the FDA gets on board too and stops pandering to the food manufacturing companies’ wallets.
About Amanda
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this campaign of yours!
A month or so ago in a show, I did a sketch about dyeing eggs with natural dyes (I’m so funny, right? Come see my comedy shows. I talk about how awful dyes are for you. I’m a riot) like beets and blueberries and spinach, and someone came up to me after the show and thanked me! Personal victory!!
Even though I’m allergic to natural dyes more than synthetic (that whole beta carotene thing) my kid is more sensitive to synthetic. I can pop a benedryl and be fine. I pop a benedryl in him and I have a monster. What’s a mom to do? What’s best for her kid, of course.
Thank you so much for doing this!
Lora´s last [type] ..melting pot
We’re not even coloring eggs this year. No one eats hard boiled eggs here, and I’m the only one who likes deviled eggs, but I’m only one person. Plus I’m not buying the artificial dye crap. OH, and I found out you have to read EVERY label. There’s red dye in Keebler chocolate chip cookie cereal. There aren’t candy chips, regular chocolate chips. So why the red dye? Beats the hell out of me. You’d think chocolate chip cookies would be safe, but NOPE!
I’m tired of it too. My MIL knew 30 years ago that red dye bothered my hubby as a small kid so it’s not like they haven’t known of the issues for a long time. You’d think they’d get their act together for the sake of health by now. There’s no excuse!
We are also skipping the eggs. No one eats them or likes them and no one eats egg salad either. UGH.
Awesome post. You had me at “Absosmurfly”
The Domestic Goddess´s last [type] ..Great Expectations
“Absosmurfly” is my new thing since Sarah Palin ruined “You betcha” for me.
Thank you for writing this article. I really had no idea what was in food coloring. I’ll be throwing all my food dye away today. It’s not worth it for the pretty colors. I did some research online and there are several places that do natural food dyes. I’ll be buying those. I’m sorry your little boy is having such a hard time
. I found out the other day that fast food places add silicone to their oil so it doesn’t foam up. I think we need some serious education about our food. Ignorance isn’t an option.
Christine Mack´s last [type] ..Taking Care of Your BabyPlants from Seed to Sprouts!
You know what did me in on fast food? Reading that there was chicken fat in McDonald’s shakes several years ago.
I know you like to cook and bake, Christine. The natural dyes I’ve used aren’t good for actual baking, but they make awesome frosting colors. They really work great in anything that won’t be exposed to high heat.
The stuff that the FDA allows in our food and medications is simply appalling.
We are going to be doing rice crispy treat eggs dipped in natural chocolate. The boys like it far more than hard boiled eggs. I agree, there is no reason they can’t make things with natural flavors and colors other than it would eat into their profits.
Kathleen B.´s last [type] ..Most Insane Lady Gaga Outfit Ensembles of All Time
I had no idea! I just bought my kids Fruit Loops. I feel AWFUL. I am going to be on the lookout for foods free of DYE. oh my goodness, thank you Amanda!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb´s last [type] ..Mom blog communities necessary for blog growth
If you’re not opposed to sugar, there are some organic fruit loops out there that are tasty and artificial dye free. I currently buy my kids the Wegmans store brand. I know their stores are pretty regional to our area since they’re based in NY, but I’m sure someone else has alternatives out there too.
Oh, crap. I’ve honestly never thought of it before.
Now, of course, it is all I will think about.
Thanks? Or…. good job!
jillsmo´s last [type] ..This is what it looks like in front of my house right now
I shouldn’t have read this post, especially after letting Audrey have at a My Little Pony decorated birthday cake that featured a rainbow and a pink-flowing river on it. Yesterday notwithstanding, we are actually very strict about the dyed stuff. Hopefully one day a year won’t kill her….?
Lynn´s last [type] ..More Schizophrenia
I’m all about what works for your family. My son just happens to be the kind of kid who turns into Mr. Hyde on crack with a drop of red dye. It took us a long time to figure out that it wasn’t the antihistamines making him nuts, but rather that they ALL have red dye in the chewables for kids. I can’t even let him indulge occasionally.
isn’t that just sickening? Really?? I mean, how is this stuff even approved?!
Cheryl´s last [type] ..30 Day Music Challenge- Day 11
Great article Amanda!
When I was working as a compounding pharmacy technician, I used to have to make medication and supplements for several children in the spectrum without artificial dyes and sweeteners years ago, long before many people knew there seemed to be a connection.
It really is ridiculous what the FDA does all in the name of money!!
Lorie Shewbridge´s last [type] ..Thursdays Recipe Swap Meet Tortellini with Bacon
Not only for kid, but every med I take is colored with red this or blue that. I can’t even by a stool softener from as health store like Puritan’s without red coloring.
What can we do???