February 11, 2009

Red 40 and Yellow 5

Maryland may become the First to ban Food Dyes

Maryland Legislators are considering prohibiting behavior disrupting food dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 5. Foods containing these dyes, also common to pet foods and pet treats, could be required to provide warning labels if the Maryland legislation is passed. http://www.cspinet.org/new/200902061.html

The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that “Health experts have been concerned about the impact of food dyes on learning and behavior since the 1970’s.” Senior nutritionist David Schardt states that based on 30 years of evidence, “the FDA should have banned the dyes years ago and responsible manufacturers could have stopped using them voluntarily.” Schardt will testify before Maryland lawmakers.

Despite scientific evidence linking many common food dyes to behavior problems in children, no scientific research is available to link these same food dyes frequently used in grocery store and pet store dog and foods to behavior problems in pets. Most pet owners would assume that the same findings would be discovered in pets consuming Red 40 or Yellow 5 or other known risk food dyes as has been proven with children over 30 years.

The pending Maryland legislation does not state if pet foods and pet treats would be included and thus if pet foods will be required to provide warnings if they contain food dyes. Maryland pet owners will keep their fingers crossed that lawmakers did not forget their pets. Regardless, always read the ingredient list for every food or treat you provide your pet. Avoid foods and treats that contain dyes.

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

No comments: