7-eleven is the only accessible food source for many children and teens in low income neighborhoods.  Currently approved artificial dyes have been shown to cause cancer, neuron growth inhibition in young children, DNA damage, learning difficulties, asthma attacks, hyperactivity, zinc depletion, eye lesions, and allergic reactions.  Artificial flavors are complex combinations of chemicals, and cause neuron death (MSG by any name) and other unknown harm, since the combinations are undisclosed and untested.  Natural formulations of the same foods are available and are widely used in Europe.  Mr. DePinto, I know first-hand the damage done to my own child when he consumes artificial dyes.  Please give low-income kids a chance to nourish their bodies instead of poison them when they visit a 7-Eleven--eliminate artificial dyes and flavors from foods, gum, candies and drinks sold there.

FDA Dyes Approved for Food in the United States:

FD&C Red #3 (E127):  Caused thyroid and breast tumors in rats

FD&C Red 40 (E129):  DNA damage, allergic reaction, carcinogenic contaminants, possible accelerated tumor development

FD&C Yellow 5 (E102): Zinc loss in ADHD kids, DNA damage, mild to severe allergies, carcinogenic contaminants, likely cancer risk

FD&C Yellow 6(E110): Zinc depletion in ADHD kids, hyperactivity, mild to severe allergies, low doses showed cancer risk, kidney and thyroid weight changes, eye lesions, carcinogen contamination

FD&C Blue 1(E133):  Possible kidney tumors, inhibits neurite growth (learning) in young children

FD&C Blue 2(E132): Possible bladder, breast and brain tumor association, no convincing evidence of safety, permanently approved in 1983

FD&C Citrus Red #2(E123):  Used to color non-organic Florida oranges, other items; causes bladder cancer at modest levels

Source:  Food Dyes, A Rainbow of Risks, Center for Science in the Public Interest, June 29, 2010.