sajid
29-07-03, 01:00 PM
Tartrazine: A Real Yellow Menace
Tartrazine (also known as "FD&C Yellow Number 5" or "E-102" in Europe) is a coal-tar derivative that is used to color foods, cosmetics, and other products. It is literally industrial waste. I have a strong sensitivity to this substance, and believe there are many others out there as well who (perhaps unknowingly) have the same problem. If you get mysterious hives or sometimes wake up with swollen eyelids, this could be the culprit.
Tartrazine is in fact a dye made from coal tar. Inspite of much media attention in recent years this food additive can still be found in some cakes, biscuits, soft drinks as well as fish batter and chips. Furthermore, have you ever wondered how they manage to ensure some egg yolks are incredibly yellow? You've guessed it they feed chickens tartrazine.
Overall, research has been shown that tartrazine can be linked to asthma, certain rashes, hyperactivity (particularly in children) and migraine. Indeed tartrazine is the second most common cause of migraines in younger people.
Tartrazine is also reputed to be a catalyst in hyperactivity/ADD, other behavioral problems, asthma, migranes, thyroid cancer, and lupus!
Have you noticed how many children are being diagnosed as "hyperactive" these days? There is research that shows there might be a link (and that dietary changes can help.) Many of the children on Ritalin or other behavioral drugs are probably just eating a diet rich in toxic food additives that are approved by the government as safe. Some schools have noticed a major difference in pupils' behavior after banning snacks with tartrazine.
Ironically enough, some of the drugs for these conditions contain tartrazine and are probably just making the problem worse! I stop just short of declaring it a conspiracy on the drug companies' part, but it's something to think about.
Why do food companies use it? It's simply cheaper than natural alternatives. The important nutrient beta carotene can be used to achieve a similar color, but it costs more for the manufacturer. Can you imagine having the idea to put coal tar waste into food as a coloring? As with many of the evils in this world, it all comes down to "the bottom line" (aka greed.)
Take note that very often it is indicated as E102 in the ingredients lists on food packages.
What products contain tartrazine?
Here is a list of some of the things that often (but not always!) contain tartrazine:
prescription and non-prescription pharmaceutical drugs
skim milk
yogurt
butter/margarine
orange colored cheeses
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese ("Kraft Dinner")
Orange colored snacks (cheezies, Doritos, etc.)
Candy
Gelatin and pudding desserts
Ice Cream
Mountain Dew
Tang
other artificially colored drinks
boxed breakfast cereals
shrimp
canned fruits and vegetables
pastas
breads, cakes, and other baked goods (especially ones that contain "candied fruit")
wasabi
alcoholic drinks (especially mixed drinks like sours but also some beer!)
shampoo
cosmetics
lotions
toothpaste
vitamins
birth control pills
aspirin
This is only a partial list of things to look out for tartrazine in. It's hiding in all kinds of places you wouldn't expect such as chocolate pudding and even caviar, so watch out and check those labels!
In the United States, manufacturers are required to indicate that a product contains tartrazine on the label. In Canada, labels are only required to say "colour." In the United Kingdom and Europe, tartrazine is referred to as "E-102" though it has been banned in Norway and Austria.
Tartrazine (also known as "FD&C Yellow Number 5" or "E-102" in Europe) is a coal-tar derivative that is used to color foods, cosmetics, and other products. It is literally industrial waste. I have a strong sensitivity to this substance, and believe there are many others out there as well who (perhaps unknowingly) have the same problem. If you get mysterious hives or sometimes wake up with swollen eyelids, this could be the culprit.
Tartrazine is in fact a dye made from coal tar. Inspite of much media attention in recent years this food additive can still be found in some cakes, biscuits, soft drinks as well as fish batter and chips. Furthermore, have you ever wondered how they manage to ensure some egg yolks are incredibly yellow? You've guessed it they feed chickens tartrazine.
Overall, research has been shown that tartrazine can be linked to asthma, certain rashes, hyperactivity (particularly in children) and migraine. Indeed tartrazine is the second most common cause of migraines in younger people.
Tartrazine is also reputed to be a catalyst in hyperactivity/ADD, other behavioral problems, asthma, migranes, thyroid cancer, and lupus!
Have you noticed how many children are being diagnosed as "hyperactive" these days? There is research that shows there might be a link (and that dietary changes can help.) Many of the children on Ritalin or other behavioral drugs are probably just eating a diet rich in toxic food additives that are approved by the government as safe. Some schools have noticed a major difference in pupils' behavior after banning snacks with tartrazine.
Ironically enough, some of the drugs for these conditions contain tartrazine and are probably just making the problem worse! I stop just short of declaring it a conspiracy on the drug companies' part, but it's something to think about.
Why do food companies use it? It's simply cheaper than natural alternatives. The important nutrient beta carotene can be used to achieve a similar color, but it costs more for the manufacturer. Can you imagine having the idea to put coal tar waste into food as a coloring? As with many of the evils in this world, it all comes down to "the bottom line" (aka greed.)
Take note that very often it is indicated as E102 in the ingredients lists on food packages.
What products contain tartrazine?
Here is a list of some of the things that often (but not always!) contain tartrazine:
prescription and non-prescription pharmaceutical drugs
skim milk
yogurt
butter/margarine
orange colored cheeses
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese ("Kraft Dinner")
Orange colored snacks (cheezies, Doritos, etc.)
Candy
Gelatin and pudding desserts
Ice Cream
Mountain Dew
Tang
other artificially colored drinks
boxed breakfast cereals
shrimp
canned fruits and vegetables
pastas
breads, cakes, and other baked goods (especially ones that contain "candied fruit")
wasabi
alcoholic drinks (especially mixed drinks like sours but also some beer!)
shampoo
cosmetics
lotions
toothpaste
vitamins
birth control pills
aspirin
This is only a partial list of things to look out for tartrazine in. It's hiding in all kinds of places you wouldn't expect such as chocolate pudding and even caviar, so watch out and check those labels!
In the United States, manufacturers are required to indicate that a product contains tartrazine on the label. In Canada, labels are only required to say "colour." In the United Kingdom and Europe, tartrazine is referred to as "E-102" though it has been banned in Norway and Austria.