Many of us have heard the term “Red 40” thrown around somewhere. But what is this mysterious Red 40 anyway? What products in Haverford’s dining hall use food dyes, and why may that be a problem?
Red 40 is one of nine food coloring dyes approved by the FDA. Others include Blue 1, Green 3, and Red 2. These types of dyes are used in beverages, dairy products, puddings, and other types of food. However, a common trait among foods that use dye is the time that they spend on shelves. The longer a product is designed to remain on a shelf, the more likely it is to contain a food dye.
Ms. Kim Sprangers, the General Manager for dining, catering, and the FORDSstore and a registered dietitian, shared her perspective.
“I don’t think that they’re good for you,” Ms. Sprangers said.
According to Ms. Sprangers, the dining hall does not use food dyes such as Red 40 in the food that they cook. However, she did point out that some packaged foods that students buy, like Lucky Charms, sometimes have colorings in them. Lucky Charms in particular, she said, contains Red 40. Ms. Sprangers also made note of the fact that food manufacturers use dyes to make their products appear good-looking after they have sat on shelves.
“They need it to be shelf stable,” Ms. Sprangers said.
There is very little to no conclusive evidence of side effects from food dyes, and Red 40 in particular. However, there is limited evidence that it may increase symptoms in children with ADHD, but it will cause no effects to the majority of people.
Still, the European Union requires certain products that contain food dyes to have a warning label on them, whereas the Food and Drug Administration in America does not require it.
“The FDA will approve things and has allowed things to be put in our food that [they] just shouldn’t.”
Ms. Kim Sprangers
Ms. Sprangers said, “The FDA will approve things and has allowed things to be put in our food that [they] just shouldn’t.”
Students at Haverford should become more aware of what is in their food. Aside from grams of protein, ingredients matter, too. Hopefully, the FDA will take inspiration from other countries and look deeper into what really is in the food that we eat.