THE DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL DYES IN FOOD PRODUCTS AND TREATS
I was reading the Reader’s Digest issue of November 2023 when I came upon an article in the health section about the harmful effects of artificial colors added to food that humans consume. Think about all the artificial colors in M&M’s, Dots, Starburst, to mention a few. Many soups, cereals, snacks, cookies, puddings, Jello and many beverages are guilty. It has been common knowledge for decades that artificial colors and flavorings have caused hyperactivity in some children which leads to learning deficits. Which dyes are the most dangerous has not had a worldwide consensus but new studies, due to consumer pressure, are in the works. Not only are the dyes, especially Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which are the most used in the United States, dangerous, but they are completely unnecessary. Their only purpose is to make them more attractive, more consumer enticing. There are many products that have synthetic dyes in them but why? Like pickles, flavored applesauce, chocolate cake mixes, marshmallows, and salad dressings.
According to the article, California restaurants will be required to identify what items on their menus contain such additives. “What makes the OEHHA report a game changer is that a regulatory agency is on the same page as scientists and advocacy groups.” Since 2010, the European Union has mandated food and beverage companies to warn consumers about which of their products contain certain synthetic dyes including the three mentioned above, as being harmful to children. On the home front, kraft Heinz reformulated their popular macaroni and cheese, using turmeric and paprika instead of Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. And Chipotle, Nestle USA and other big companies are finding ways to make their food healthier. Red 40 has been linked to colitis in mice. Further studies are being conducted linking these dyes to IBS and other issues.
What about our cats, dogs, small animals and birds? We don’t sell any treats (except on some of the icing on our bakery cookies) or food for dogs or cats, yet we were quite surprised that certain bird and small animal foods and treats contain them. Hopefully, all manufacturers will begin to ween away to more natural alternatives. If you buy food or treats for your pet at stores that sell inferior treats and foods, like Purina, Pedigree, Meow Mix, etc., you will find artificial dyes meant to appeal to you the consumer. They don’t make a difference to your pet. Well, really, they do. Because of the dangers to your pet’s health. According to Robert’s STAY LOYAL blog which covered this topic, they can be very dangerous. I mentioned above about hyperactivity in children. We have many customers who complain about hyper dogs. Could they be pumping them with Beggin Strips, Hugs, Pup Peroni, or any other questionable treat. Caramel, Blue 2, Red 40 and Yellows 5 and 6 are linked to allergy like symptoms (itchy dog or cat?) Many of these are linked to cancer. Blue 2 is also linked to brain cancer. Yellow 5, which is banned in Europe, is linked to such issues as hyperactivity, aggression, allergies and thyroid tumors. Yellow 6 is linked to skin issues as well as adrenal gland and kidney tumors. Remember too, that what may adversely affect an animal (chocolate) does not correlate to humans. There is absolutely no reason to subject your pet to these harmful chemicals, even if they are approved in the U.S. by our FDA, while banned overseas. And remember how the FDA blasted grain free dog food to cause Dilated cardiomyopathy-for over two years-only to finally admit there was no conclusive evidence. Money talks even when it comes to the exploitation of pet food.
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