FDA studies food dye, hyperactivity link

March 31, 2011|Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The FDA is examining the link between dyes found in everyday foods and hyperactivity in children.

At a two-day meeting that started yesterday, an FDA advisory committee will decide whether available data links the dyes and the disorder. The panel will recommend today whether the agency should further regulate dyes, do more studies, or require better labeling of the additives. It could also recommend that the FDA do nothing.

The FDA has so far said there is no proven relationship between food dyes and hyperactivity in most children. But the agency said that for “certain susceptible children,’’ hyperactivity and other behavioral problems may be exacerbated.

Public health advocates agree that dyes do not appear to be the underlying cause of hyperactivity but say their effects on some children is cause to ban the additives. The meeting is in response to a 2008 petition filed by the advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest to ban some dyes.

Michael Jacobson, the director of that group, said that dyes exist in food to trick consumers, “to simulate the presence of a healthful fruit or other natural ingredient.’’ Scientists and public advocates have debated the issue for more than 30 years.