USA: Organic Trade Association on synthetic dyes to colour food

In response to a call from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) to ban synthetic dyes to color foods, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) has reminded consumers that they can already avoid such dyes in the marketplace by choosing to purchase organic foods. CSPI’s latest report entitled “Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks” outlines health concerns posed by the nine currently approved dyes used on conventionally produced foods. According to CSPI, the dyes present “a rainbow of risks,” including allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and even cancer.

“Organic handlers do not use any synthetic dyes in organic food products,” OTA’s Executive Director Christine Bushway pointed out, noting, “It is another one of the benefits of choosing organic foods.” No synthetic dyes are allowed in organic handling, as regulated by national organic standards under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.
 

OTA