TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The news that federal agencies plan to phase out synthetic dyes in foods is being watched closely by some families and medical professionals in Tampa Bay.
“I think that this is a good move because we do not want our kids eating ultra processed foods,” said board certified pediatrician Dr. David Berger. “One of the things that makes any food ultra processed is adding an artificial, synthetic, petroleum-based food coloring. There is no purpose. There’s no nutritional value for these dyes. It’s purely cosmetic.”
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services secretary and the Food and Drug Administration commissioner announced last week they plan to phase out six petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply, citing studies that link them to conditions like hyperactivity, diabetes, and obesity in children. A trade group for the food industry has said they’re safe, and the latest federal action stops short of an actual ban…