Are Drink Mix Dyes Toxic?

Some sweet beverages are colored with synthetic food dyes.

The FDA indicates that approved food dyes found in drink mixes generally pose no adverse health risks among the majority of consumers. In contrast, allergicchild.com reports that adverse reactions to food dyes can include anaphylaxis and skin irritations such as eczema.

History

Twenty-four different food dyes have been used in the United States, although 17 out of the 24 dyes have been banned. Banned food dyes include outdated, toxic versions of red, green and yellow.

Health Concerns

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) reports that food dyes can cause behavioral problems in some children. Such responses are considered "food intolerances," not food allergies. Children with food dye intolerances could react to one or many dyes. Individuals with food dye-related health concerns must consult with a medical doctor.

Consumer Response

In 2008, CSPI and the Public Citizens Health Research Group petitioned the FDA to ban synthetic food dyes, especially those found in drink mixes and foods geared toward children such as gelatin and candies. As of 2010, the FDA considers foods and drink mixes containing Red 3 and 40, Blue 1 and 2, Green 3 and Yellow 6 nontoxic and safe to consume.

References

• Public Citizen Health Research Group: Dyes in Your Food
• Allergic Child: Food Dye Intolerance and Allergy
• Center for Science in the Public Interest: CSPI Says Food Dyes Pose Rainbow of Risks
• FDA: Questions and Answers about Food and Color Additives