jason

“Artificial food dyes, which are primarily derived from petroleum and coal tars, are a staple in breakfast cereals, snacks and soft drinks.”

people! why do we feed this to children? I wonder, since companies explicitly say they respond to consumer demand… yet people don’t demand. I don’t think people can say “I didn’t know”. They can say “I didn’t care enough to listen or be concerned” I guess.

Perhaps parents should panic more at the grocery store than they do online, and at least take similar precautions.

Food dye rebellion may color U.S. action — Health, Kraft Foods Inc., Oak Brook — chicagotribune.com

That’s what has been happening in the UK, as food industry giants such as Kraft Foods Inc. and Mars Inc. have reacted to increasing consumer worries over artificial colors, particularly after a British study bolstered the hyperactivity theory.

Late last year, Mars banished artificial colors from its well-known Starburst and Skittles candies sold in the UK. Northfield-based Kraft did the same in early 2007 with its British version of Lunchables.

“This is about listening to consumers,” said Kraft spokesman Michael Mitchell.

Thus far, U.S. consumers haven’t spoken up enough to cause big manufacturers to drop the dyes.

Kraft’s market research in the United Kingdom has shown a “much higher interest” in food dyes than in the United States. Here, consumers are more interested in calorie, fat and sodium content, he said. So in the U.S., Kraft, Mars and others use artificial dyes, which tend to be less expensive and look more vibrant than natural colorings.

Artificial food dyes, which are primarily derived from petroleum and coal tars, are a staple in breakfast cereals, snacks and soft drinks.