America's Obsession With Dyes
The U.S. is one of the few countries that allow artificial food dyes. How do we stop the production of food made with artificial coloring and harmful ingredients?
Welcome to Serving Up Sweetness, where I delve into topics on food trends and culture. This week is all about the controversial debate over food coloring.
Artificial colors are everywhere. They are in our chips, sodas, and even some forms of sugar. Food dyes have no nutritional benefits. So why were they invented in the first place? Is profit worth it if it is at the expense of the consumer?
Food Coloring Explained
As early as 1856, William Henry Perkin was the first to come across “synthetic organic dye”. After his discovery, other versions of dye followed suit. According to the FDA, the first iteration of food coloring was made from "coal-tar colors" derived from coal processing. Companies started using artificial coloring for other products. Aside from food, artificial coloring is in medication and makeup.
Food dyes are ingrained in our society. It’s become a part of our everyday life. Now that people have become accustomed to seeing pink allergy medication or blue birthday cakes — most people don’t give it much thought.
The average person can buy a bottle of food coloring at most grocery stores. However, ingredients like edible flowers are difficult to find. Why is it easier to buy a product that does more harm than good?
Established brands can stand out from competitors by coating snacks in vibrant hues. Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5 are dyes that give the infamous Flamin’ Hot Cheetos their signature look. Both kids and adults have become fans of these spicy chips over the last few decades. However, Red Dye No. 40 requires a warning label in Europe.
“Yellow food dyes No. 5 and No. 6, and Red Dye No. 40. These dyes can be used in foods sold in Europe, but the products must carry a warning saying the coloring agents “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” No such warning is required in the United States, though the Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the F.D.A. in 2008 to ban the dyes.” — Roni Caryn Rabin, a health reporter at the New York Times, an excerpt of her article “What Foods Are Banned in Europe but Not Banned in the U.S.?”
Aside from the fact that food coloring creates a beautiful aesthetic, it has no health benefits. Some are unbothered by artificial coloring and continue to consume food made with it. While others are conscientious and decide to eliminate it from their diet. In addition to food dye, other adornments have a strong presence in the custom cake space. Ingredients like edible glitter and gold leaf give cakes a stunning appearance.
Edible glitter grew in popularity with the rise of desserts decorated with it on social media. A cake topped with glitter is guaranteed to stop the scroll.
According to Food Network, understanding the difference between non-toxic and edible is imperative. Non-toxic glitter is not for consumption. Unfortunately, it can be mistaken for edible glitter if one fails to read the entire label. Benjamin Chapman, a food safety specialist at North Carolina State University explains, “But glitter could be actual bits of metal. And those edible sparkles of ill repute are generally sold online, not in supermarkets and craft stores.”
While edible glitter is an option, being aware of dangerous imitation products is crucial. On the other hand, gold leaf is a decorative material made with real gold. Gold leaf does not disrupt digestion. Since it causes no reaction in the human body, it’s often used for wedding cakes. Like copycat glitter, imitation gold leaf is not safe for human consumption. Consumers should stay vigilant when purchasing these items.
Is Food Coloring Harmful
Acknowledging the potential health risks that stem from dye is necessary. This paragraph from “Is red dye use in food products a health hazard?” by Marlene Cimons emphasizes the consequences of ingesting red dye,
“In December, a Canadian study on mice found that another commonly used red — Allura Red AC, also known as FD&C Red 40 and Food Red 17 — could trigger inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.”
This study provides a good reason to add warning labels to food dye. In addition, there are other dyes that cause concern. Now more than ever, people are more conscious about what they put into their bodies. Yet some are still unaware of these issues. The lack of transparency in the food industry causes much debate.
Sure, large corporations can turn a blind eye on the effects red dye has on animals. But children are eating popular snacks containing red dye No. 40. How will this affect children over time? Only time will tell.
Homemade Food Coloring
Homemade or natural food coloring is made with fruits and vegetables to create different colors. Bakers are starting to lean into this method. For one, it’s reassuring to know that questionable ingredients weren’t added to your food. Unlike artificial dyes, natural food coloring contains nutritional benefits.
As it turns out, there are two forms of natural food coloring. Home bakers can use a liquid or powder form. However, you may notice that one form is less vibrant than the other. Homemade food coloring can never compare to the boldness of dye. Though it still produces gorgeous colors.
Desserts made with natural coloring are just as impressive. Anthea is a vegan food blogger and baker who has been developing recipes for years now. Her almond butter mousse and blueberry jelly slice has a beautiful purple color without an ounce of artificial color.
Other Alternatives
There are many recipes out there that are free from artificial colors. Embracing alternatives can lead us to progress. Reading the labels before purchasing empowers shoppers. Refusing to fuel the machine can spark change. When it comes to improving the marketplace, our wallets speak louder than our words.
Love this! So informative!