Group Moves to Ban Artificial Food Coloring

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British researchers made news in recent months over their studies that determined artificial colors were doing as much damage to children's brains as lead in gasoline. Researchers said the artificial colors could have an impact on hyperactivity in children.

In Britain, food companies have had to react to consumer concern over the news. According to the Chicago Tribune, Mars banished artificial colors from its well-known Starburst and Skittles candies sold in the UK. And Kraft did the same with its British version of Lunchables.

Now groups in the US are voicing their concerns. According to the article, a consumer advocacy group is petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of eight artificial colorings in food because of their link to hyperactivity in children.

Kraft spokesman Michael Mitchell says in the article that American consumers haven't been as concerned as the British about artificial food colors; they have been more concerned about calorie, fat and sodium content.

Artificial colors are found in candy, cereals, snacks and soft drinks, and come mainly from petroleum and coal tars.

Though artificial colors have been linked to hyperactivity since the 1970s, the FDA has said there isn't evidence proving the connection.

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