Processed foods with artificial colours linked to asthma, hyperactivity in kids

Hyderabad: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the use of several colouring agents in food items, particularly those frequently consumed by children.

Artificial colouring agents, some of which are toxic and on the prohibited list, were being used illegally. Their long-term usage can lead to several health issues among children including hyperactivity and cancer in rare cases.

Recently, several State governments in India have banned Rhodamine B (RhB), the colouring agent used in sugar candies and food items.

Colouring agents make food more appealing and dangerous

Colouring agents are used in several food items to make them look more appetising and correct the natural colour variations. Traditionally, in homemade foods, people use natural colouring agents like turmeric, beetroot, green paste, red chilli and saffron.

With the cultural and economic changes leading to the sprouting of eateries across cities and towns including roadside shops, the usage of artificial colouring agents has increased.

Increased use and ban of artificial colouring agents

Dr Sowmya Reddy K, a paediatrician at Gemcare Poulomi Hospitals, ECIL, said, “The federal agencies have approved a few artificial colouring agents which are not very harmful. But some artificial colouring agents can be harmful to children.”

A large number of processed and packaged food items are aimed at attracting children. There are incidents of banned colouring agents found in food items, including cotton candy. State governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have banned some colouring agents including RhB used in making cotton candy and gobi manchuria.

Danger of artificial colouring agents

Colouring agents like tartrazine and carmine are found to trigger asthma in people, particularly children who are prone to the condition.

“Some children become ‘attention seeking’ hyperactive kids due to the use of artificial colouring agents. The continuous use can cause allergic reactions, rashes, swelling etc in children,” Dr Sowmy Reddy added.

Carcinogenic and genotoxic effects

Some artificial colouring agents can result in carcinogenic and genotoxic effects. Children can suffer from irritability and difficulty sleeping.

“The colouring agents can affect the biochemical markers of liver and kidney among children, besides the carcinogenic and genotoxic effect. Few studies have shown colouring agents leading to brain tumours in some children, even though it is rare,” Dr Sowmya Reddy said.

Awareness and proper tests essential

The sale of food items in tourist places, shopping malls, festivals and family functions is unavoidable. Hence, there is a need to ensure the quality of food and the colouring agents used.

“The artificial colouring agents are used as preservatives. Parents must ensure such foods are avoided. The various government agencies must monitor, check and certify the food items before permitting them to the market,” Dr Sowmya Reddy said.