Why Do I Care?

I was fortunate 10 years ago to give birth to an incredible baby boy. Since then my world has been turned upside down and I find myself looking at things very differently.  Like every parent, I want my child to grow up healthy and happy.

I can't accept that we are putting our kid's - and everyone's - health at risk by continuing the use of artificial colours.

The Problem:

Artificial dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, asthma, migraines, thyroid cancer, anxiety, clinical depression and allergies. 

Artificial food dye consumption has increased by 500% in the last 50 years, with children being the biggest consumers. 

Artificial Dye - Yellow #5 (also known as Tartrazine) is used in many of the products marketed towards kids and is one of the most popular artificial colours and potentially, most damaging. 

Beta carotene and paprika are safe alternatives to artificial colour Yellow #5 and  used in European countries where Yellow #5 is banned. 

DON'T OUR KIDS - DON'T WE ALL - DESERVE THE SAME?

Let’s stop the use of Yellow #5 and move to safe alternatives, like beta carotene and paprika. 

The centre for science in public interest states the following about Yellow #5: 

"...may be contaminated with several cancer-causing chemicals. In addition, Yellow 5 causes sometimes-severe hypersensitivity reactions in a small number of people and might trigger hyperactivity and other behavioral effects in children. Posing some risks, while serving no nutritional or safety purpose, Yellow 5 should not be allowed in foods."

Sources: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)