Food Colouring: What Is It And How To Avoid It

Artificial Food Coloring Health Risks

Artificial Food Colouring is very common. It is 0ften found in sweets, popsicles, ice creams and confectionery, to make the products visually attractive to children. They also exist in the food you buy in the grocery stores, in food courts and vending machines. However, in recent years, studies have found artificial food colouring health risks include inducing hyperactivity in kids.

In fact, a joint study conducted by Harvard and Columbia University found that eliminating artificial food colouring reduces hyperactivity in ADHD-prone children. In 2010, The Center for Science in the Public Interest also released a report on artificial food colouring’s links to hyperactivity in children, cancer, and other health problems. 

Country Regulations

Just last year, the Food and Drug Administration in the US amended its food additive regulations. The agency banned up to seven synthetic flavouring substances.

Countries like the UK and the EU have also put in place safety measures to educate and restrict dyes from children’s diets. In fact, products in the EU with artificial food colouring require to bear a warning notice.

In Singapore however, there is no such warning notice on food items. But according to the Singapore Food Agency, only approved food colourings found in the Fifth Schedule are allowed for consumption. These colourings include red cabbage colour, tartrazine and brilliant blue FCF. 

Tips To Avoid Artificial Food Colouring 

It can be hard as parents to navigate your child’s diet especially since artificial colouring seems to be everywhere. But not to worry, here are some pointers to keep you safe from their adverse effects:

• Buy organic and whole food such as fruits and vegetables (mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli) 
• Check the ingredient list.  
• Use Online Apps to identify food colouring codes e.g. Food additives: complete description, Food Additives Checker, Food scanner: check open facts.  
• Limit buying processed foods (instant noodles, frozen pizza, salad dressing, candies)
• Use natural food colouring. You can always use natural alternatives like beet juice, paprika, and spinach powder to make your meals look more appealing. 

Lastly, just like books, don’t judge an ingredient by its cover, be sure to check the labels carefully for artificial colouring before buying any product. Happy shopping!