Adverse reactions to preservatives, dyes and food additives are rare, but can not be underestimated. The artificial dye tartrazine, sulfites and monosodium glutamate are reported to cause reactions. Tartrazine can be found in artificial juices, jellies and candy colored as monosodium glutamate may be present in foods such as savory seasonings (meat or chicken broth). Sulfites are used as preservatives in foods (dried fruits, wines, juices industrialized) and drugs have been linked to asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.
The dye tartrazine is authorized to use medicines and foods such as candies, caramels and similar high-consumption range for children. However, the consumption of tartrazine dye may cause adverse reactions in susceptible people, these reactions have not been proven in a relationship of cause and effect. Aiming to protect people's health, taking steps to prevent risks associated with consumption of foods containing the additive INS 102, tartrazine dye, Anvisa requires manufacturers of foods containing the dye in its composition, to be declared on the label Specifically, in the ingredient list, the name of the color words. Medications with the dye Tartrazine in their formulation, in the leaflet should also contain the warning: "This product contains Tartrazine yellow dye that can cause allergic reactions in nature, including bronchial asthma and urticaria in susceptible people," according to Resolution 572.
Studies in the United States and Europe since the 70 proven cases of allergic reactions to dye, such as asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, nausea, bronchospasm, urticaria, eczema and headaches. Despite the low incidence of Tartrazine sensitivity in the population (3.8% in the U.S.), it is important to inform the presence of the substance, because Allergic reactions can be confused with the active ingredient side effects of medication. Furthermore, the literature attests that 13% to 22% of people who have allergies to aspirin also manifest the same reactions when they ingest the Tartrazine.
According to the Institute of Consumer Defense (Idec), as set by the Federal Court in Sao Paulo, Anvisa must edit within 30 days a rule requiring it to be mentioned especially the adverse effects of tartrazine dye in the labeling of foods that containing the substance. According to the sentence, shall contain the following terms: "This product contains the dye yellow tartrazine which may cause allergic reactions in nature, including bronchial asthma, especially in people allergic to aspirin. "
For Idec, the decision is positive, because it guarantees the consumer the realization of their right to information. However, the Institute argues that the warning about the adverse effects should be mandatory for any type of dye and not just to tartrazine. "All colors have the potential to cause harm to health, especially allergies," said Mirtes Peinado, biomedical and technical advisor Idec.Atualmente, the norm of Anvisa (DRC 3.240/2002) requires only that the word tartrazine is indicated on the label of food among the ingredients. Only the drugs it was compulsory to register on the outer packaging the presence of dye in the product.
Idec has been warning for the use of dyes, especially in products for children. Besides medicines, the institute tested the jellies, food with great appeal to children and use many colors artificially produced. Did not observe any irregularities, but it must be taken into account that the Brazilian legislation is permissive when compared to other countries like USA, Austria and Norway, because many dyes used in Brazil are prohibited in those countries.
addition of allergic reactions that can affect anyone, recent studies indicate that dyes and preservatives may be related to hyperactivity and concentration disorders in children. Thus, there are plenty of reasons for the presence of dyes is highlighted on the label. "Once these substances are largely used in food and drugs, at least, the consumer has a right to know about their risks," argues Mirtes.
Learn what the major effects associated with each dye: Dye
Yellow twilight - Can cause anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, vasculitis and purpura. Cross-reactivity with acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, sodium benzoate (preservative) and other azo dyes such as tartrazine. It can cause hyperactivity in children when combined with sodium benzoate. Banned in Finland and Norway.
coloring: Quinoline Yellow - May cause: Suspected of causing hyperactivity in children when combined with sodium benzoate.
Dye: Tartrazine Yellow - May cause: allergic reactions such as asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, nausea, wheezing, hives, eczema, headache, eosinophilia, and inhibition of platelet aggregation like the salicylates. Insomnia in children associated with lack of concentration and impulsivity. Allergic reaction cross with salicylates (aspirin), hyperkinesis in patients hyperactive. It can cause hyperactivity in children when combined with sodium benzoate. In Brazil, the USA and in Britain its use must be indicated on labels.
coloring: Brilliant Blue - May cause: skin irritations and bronchial constriction, when combined with other dyes. Banned in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.
Dye: Red 40 - May cause: Can cause hyperactivity in children when associated with sodium benzoate. Banned in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland.
Dye: Red Ponceau 4R - Relating to anemia and renal diseases associated with lack of concentration and impulsiveness and hyperactivity in children can result when combined with sodium benzoate. Banned in the USA and Finland.
Dye: Red erythrosine - Suspected of causing thyroid cancer in rats. Banned in the USA and Norway.
Dye: Red bordeaux (a mixture of amaranth and brilliant blue) - May cause: asthma attacks and eczema. Banned in the USA, Austria, Norway and Russia.
Source: IDEC
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