Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 — Why These Food Dyes Are Banned in Europe But Legal in the US
The same cereal sold in the UK uses beet juice for color. In the US it uses petroleum-derived dyes linked to hyperactivity in children.
Two versions of the same product
Pick up a box of Froot Loops in Europe and the colors come from paprika extract, beetroot, and turmeric. Buy the same product in the US and the colors come from Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 — all synthetic dyes derived from petroleum.
The same company makes both versions. They use natural colorants where governments require it and synthetic dyes where they can get away with it.
The evidence against artificial dyes
The European Food Safety Authority requires warning labels on products containing these dyes: may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Multiple studies have connected artificial food dyes to hyperactivity, behavioral issues, and allergic reactions.
Children regularly exceed safe consumption levels because dyes appear in candy, cereal, snacks, drinks, vitamins, and even medications.
Know exactly what dyes are in your food
Revealia automatically flags every artificial food dye as high severity. Scan any product and you will see exactly which dyes it contains, why they are concerning, and what score impact they carry.
Stop guessing. Start scanning.
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