document: FDA Panel Delays Action on Dyes Used in Foods It calls for more research , but many parents and scientists fear link to ADHD THURSDAY , March 31 -LRB- HealthDay News -RRB- - Foods that contain dyes used to enhance color do n't need warning labels , a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel said Thursday . The advisers ' 8-6 vote came in response to concerns , especially from parents , that the commonly used dyes might be linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -LRB- ADHD -RRB- in some children . The advisory panel made its recommendation based on the FDA 's evaluation of existing data , as well as testimony from researchers . It was the lack of rigorous studies , as well as a lack of data , that prompted the panel to ask for more research into the issue and delay a recommendation on artificial food colorings , CNN reported . The issue pitted the food industry against some parents , public watchdog groups and academics who 've long agitated for a closer look at the additives . The FDA advisers , concluding two days of hearings that featured parents , scientists and food-industry representatives , said there was n't enough evidence to definitively say that food dyes contribute to ADHD . The FDA is not required to follow the recommendations of its advisory panels , but it usually does so . Artificial dyes are added to many foods including JELL-O , Lucky Charms , Pop-Tarts , Nestles Butterfinger bars , Hostess Twinkies and Frito-Lay Doritos , to name a few , according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest . The FDA does have regulatory authority over food additives . For example , in 1976 , Red No. 2 was banned because it might be cancer-causing . This week 's meeting was significant because it was '' `` the first time the FDA has acknowledged that food dyes may affect children in a limited way , '' '' said Dr. David Schab , a psychiatric researcher and an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City . Schab , who was scheduled to testify at the hearing , called it '' `` a big step forward . '' '' The question the panel was dealing with was whether the dyes cause ADHD , or might they simply trigger some nonspecific behaviors , such as irritability and insomnia , Schab said . Jeff Cronin , a spokesman for the Center for Science in the Public Interest , which has long lobbied for a ban on the dyes , said '' `` the evidence that artificial food dyes worsen some children 's behavior is pretty convincing . '' '' Cronin had hoped that the FDA panel would recommend warning labels on foods with these additives , and encourage companies to switch to safer colorings . Given the studies done so far , Schab said he also favored eliminating artificial colorings from foods . '' `` I would like the FDA to eliminate dyes , but I would also be very happy if we would have a label warning , like the ones that protect Europeans , '' '' Schab added . '' `` Labels that warn that these dyes have potential detrimental effects on behavior . '' '' Based on its review of published studies , the FDA at this point said '' `` a causal relationship between exposure to color additives and hyperactivity in children in the general population has not been established . '' '' However , it did go on to say that for some children with ADHD and other behavioral problems , these dyes may exacerbate their problems . But dyes may not be the only food additive that has this effect , the FDA noted . On the other side of the debate , Brian Kennedy , a spokesman for the Grocery Manufacturers Association , contended that '' `` the safety of artificial colors has been affirmed through extensive review by the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority , and neither agency sees the need to change current policy . '' '' Kennedy added that '' `` all of the major safety bodies globally have reviewed the available science and have determined that there is no demonstrable link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity among children . '' '' Another industry voice said that food aesthetics matter to American consumers . In a statement , David Schmidt , president and CEO of the International Food Information Council , said that '' `` food colors add to our enjoyment of food by maintaining or improving their appearance . '' '' '' `` Without sufficient scientific evidence that a causal link truly exists between food colors and hyperactivity in children , communications that suggest a link could have unintended consequences , including unnecessarily frightening consumers about safe ingredients that are consumed every day , '' '' he said . '' `` Misguided theories dilute the impact of advice from health professionals on methods that have been found through scientific research to be truly effective in treating ADHD , such as medication and behavior modification . '' '' However , Dr. Roberto F. Lopez-Alberola , chief of pediatric neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , believes the dyes could have neurological effects on children . '' `` The European Food Safety Authority has made it law that foods that contain these additives have a warning label , '' '' he said . '' `` This is already old news in the Old World . '' '' Lopez-Alberola said these dyes make foods more attractive , especially to children , and he speculates that part of the increase in ADHD and autism has resulted from food additives . '' `` It 's not the sugar , it could well be these colorants , '' '' he said . Cronin , the spokesman for the Center for Science in the Public Interest , said there are alternatives to chemical colorings . He said that when warning labels were put on foods in Europe , it caused many U.S.-based food companies to market natural-based food-colored products in Europe . More information
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