Re-posted by Houston Lawyer and Law News - On March 31, FDA's Food Advisory Committee concluded its two-day hearing with a 8-6 vote that foods that contain synthetic food dyes do not need special warning labels to suggest that the dyes may cause hyperactivity and behavioral problems in some children. FDA had not asked the Committee to consider a ban, reports Gardiner Harris from The New York Times.
During the hearing, commentary lined up as expected. Michael Jacobson, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Center for Science and the Public Interest ("CSPI") asked, "Why are these dyes in foods anyway? I would push for having them taken out completely. But if that can't be done, why not warn the public and parents that these dyes could have some effects?" reports CNN Medical Producer, Val Willingham. Harris reports that Dr. Jacobson, though disappointed by the outcome of the hearing, was encouraged that FDA was starting to acknowledge the debate still exists: "At least FDA is now acknowledging that dyes affect some children. That is a big change."
Industry representatives, however, rallied behind the conclusion, fearful that warnings might unduly alarm consumers without adequate data to substantiate the claims or create a market with less appealing food choices. For example, in a statement, David Schmidt, President and CEO of the International Food Information Council said, "Food colors add to our enjoyment of food by maintaining or improving their appearance. Without sufficient scientific evidence that a causal link truly exists between food colors and hyperactivity in children, communication that suggests a link could have unintended consequences, including unnecessarily frightening consumers about safe ingredients that are consumed every day," writes Health Day reporter Steven Reinberg. [www.fdalawyersblog.com]
The debate is probably not over, as the Committee said more research was needed in light of the evidence and suggestion by some researchers that hyperactivity may be triggered by artificial food dyes in combination with other factors, such as preservatives, and ongoing consumer concerns. During the public session, CNN reports, parents "from all over the United States" had stories to tell about how their children experienced hyperactivity or behavioral problems when exposed to artificial dyes that appeared to disappear when such dyes were eliminated from their diets.
During the hearing, commentary lined up as expected. Michael Jacobson, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Center for Science and the Public Interest ("CSPI") asked, "Why are these dyes in foods anyway? I would push for having them taken out completely. But if that can't be done, why not warn the public and parents that these dyes could have some effects?" reports CNN Medical Producer, Val Willingham. Harris reports that Dr. Jacobson, though disappointed by the outcome of the hearing, was encouraged that FDA was starting to acknowledge the debate still exists: "At least FDA is now acknowledging that dyes affect some children. That is a big change."
Industry representatives, however, rallied behind the conclusion, fearful that warnings might unduly alarm consumers without adequate data to substantiate the claims or create a market with less appealing food choices. For example, in a statement, David Schmidt, President and CEO of the International Food Information Council said, "Food colors add to our enjoyment of food by maintaining or improving their appearance. Without sufficient scientific evidence that a causal link truly exists between food colors and hyperactivity in children, communication that suggests a link could have unintended consequences, including unnecessarily frightening consumers about safe ingredients that are consumed every day," writes Health Day reporter Steven Reinberg. [www.fdalawyersblog.com]
The debate is probably not over, as the Committee said more research was needed in light of the evidence and suggestion by some researchers that hyperactivity may be triggered by artificial food dyes in combination with other factors, such as preservatives, and ongoing consumer concerns. During the public session, CNN reports, parents "from all over the United States" had stories to tell about how their children experienced hyperactivity or behavioral problems when exposed to artificial dyes that appeared to disappear when such dyes were eliminated from their diets.
Re-posted by Houston Lawyer and Law News
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