candy sold in eight states is being pulled from store shelves because of the presence of undeclared color additives.
The recall, initiated by Blooming Import Inc. in Brooklyn, New York, affects 74 cases of Golden Crop Candy, which included the dyes Blue 1, Red 40 and Acid Red 18, which were not listed on the product label.
Newsweek has contacted Blooming Import via email for comment.
Why It Matters
While reactions to color additives are rare, the FDA requires that all such ingredients be clearly declared on product labels to help consumers identify and avoid them if necessary. The presence of undeclared color additives violates labeling requirements and may present a risk for people with sensitivities.
What To Know
On March 5, Blooming Import Inc. voluntarily initiated a recall of its 10-ounce Golden Crop Candy, which was distributed to retailers in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Missouri, Delaware and Texas. The affected product has the UPC 73476513450.
On Wednesday, the FDA issued its recall classification as Class II, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, though the probability of serious harm is remote.
A color additive is any substance that imparts color to a food, drug, cosmetic, or to the human body, and may be used in food to enhance natural colors, add color to colorless foods, and help identify flavors.
The colors Blue 1 and Red 40 are approved for use in food by the FDA, but Acid Red 18, also known as E124, is not on the FDA’s list of approved additives.
The concern surrounding Acid Red 18 is in part due to the impact it could have on children, with some studies referring to the addictive potentially leading to increased hyperactivity in children.
Color additives have faced increased scrutiny since the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3, citing concerns over its links to cancer. California also moved to ban several dyes last year, with other states expected to follow suit.
What People Are Saying
Dr Linda Katz, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors said: “Color additives are safe when used properly. There is no such thing as absolute safety of any substance. In the case of a new color additive, the FDA determines if there is ‘a reasonable certainty of no harm’ under the color additive’s proposed conditions of use.”
Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, Director and Professor at the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia, told Newsweek: “Blue 1 and Red 40 are currently allowed by the FDA in different foods. Acid Red 18 is not allowed, so the product is considered adulterated. There are some reports about Blue 1 and Red 40 to cause some allergic reactions and behavioral responses in children, but these issues have not been fully corroborated. Some animal studies have reported an increased risk in cancer, but this connection in humans has not been established. There are also some animal studies that fed rodents with large amounts of these dyes in which no tumors were observed.”
He added: “According to the existing scientific evidence, at the levels allowed the risks are relatively low.”
What Happens Next
The FDA has listed the recall as ongoing as of April 16. Consumers who believe they have experienced an adverse reaction to a color additive can report the reaction to their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator, the agency said.