CSPI releases report criticizing use of artificial colors in food.

• In recent years, both FDA and the food industry have faced criticism from consumer safety groups and the media related to the use of artificial colors in food, particularly where some ingredients are not approved or have been discontinued in other countries due to alleged safety concerns.

• In January 2016, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) released a report criticizing the continued use of artificial colors in the United States, alleging that the use of such dyes may trigger behavioral problems in children, and urging FDA to take action to ban or curtail the use of such dyes.

• Although CSPI’s report cites to a “growing consensus” that food dyes are linked to behavioral problems, FDA consistently has maintained that there is insufficient evidence of a causal effect.  The Agency continues to stand by the safety of color additives, and it is not clear that the latest CSPI report will change FDA’s position on this issue.