The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says nine artificial food dyes that have been approved for use in the U.S. pose health risks. These food additives do not offer any benefit, they say, and should not be used when there is any possible danger to the public.
"Currently, the European Union is considering taking action over this issue. In 2008, the CSPI asked the FDA to ban the dyes because studies linked them to hyperactivity-like behavioral effects in children. Now the group points to animal studies suggesting that the dyes -- and other chemicals bound to them -- can cause cancer."
CSPI Executive Director and study co-author Michael Jacobon, PhD, says that the FDA has not visited the issue of artificial food dye safety in 15 to 20 years.
While most of us are exposed to artificial food dyes, children are probably consuming more food additives than adults. Children are also more vulnerable to toxins in foods than adults are. Jacobson recommends replacing artificial food dyes with natural food colorings like beta-carotene and blueberry juice.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20100629/group-calls-ban-artificial-food-dyes?src=RSS_PUBLIC