The Effects of Food Coloring on Children

Food coloring may seem harmless, but some children are sensitive to dyes and may have allergic reactions after ingesting it. To protect your child's health, learn more about the effects of food coloring on some children's sensitive systems.

Red Dye No. 2

• Decades ago, researchers discovered that Red Dye No. 2--a common food coloring in many candies and baked goods--is a possible cancer-causing agent. It's no longer used in foods, but some cosmetics still contain the substance. Unfortunately, some people are also allergic to Red Dye No. 2 alternatives, such as carmine.

Annatto

• Annatto is a food coloring used to turn substances yellow or orange. It's often used in baked goods and crackers. Some children experience eczema after eating food products that contain annatto.

Yellow Dye No. 5

• Some children have allergic reactions and even asthma episodes after ingesting Yellow Dye No. 5, also known as tartrazine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also investigating the possible link between this yellow dye and thyroid tumors.

Food Coloring and Hyperactivity

• Yellow Dye No. 5 is also believed to cause hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms in children. Results aren't conclusive yet, but there have been reports of behavioral changes in children such as restlessness, irritability and sleep disturbances after ingesting this dye.