The news is certainly not new, given that for some years now, the authoritative scientific journal Lancet Oncology, had alerted consumers about the potential carcinogenicity of the caramel dye, that substance that from dark color to many carbonated drinks, from Cole to chinotto, but also to balsamic vinegar itself. poi
Specifically, a by-product of the caramel in question, 4-MEI, an unseeded residue from the process of producing ammonia-based caramels, had been indicted. poi
The research from which the news had emerged, had been conducted by Iarc, the Who’s International Agency for Cancer Research and ranked 4-MEI among the 249 potentially carcinogenic substances for humans. poi
A new study, conducted by researchers at the John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future in Baltimore, confirms what has emerged previously and argues that the equivalent of a can of sugary carbonated drink per day increases the risk of getting cancer. poi
What about Europe?
Efsa, the European Food Safety Authority, issued a scientific assessment in 2011 of ammonia-based synthetic dyes and decided, for the first time, to define an acceptable daily intake (DGA) group (i.e. applicable to all four types of dyes used by the food industry), equal to 0.3 g per kg of body weight per day for all adults and children. poi
However, experts say that this limit can be exceeded easily, especially by the little ones. poi
According to Catherine Leclercq, head of Inran’s food risk surveillance program, a whole range of products widely consumed by children, including ice cream, baked goods, desserts and carbonated soft drinks, can contain up to 5g of this dye per product. One fizzy drink a day… poi
On average, for a child, it would be equivalent to not taking more than one can of carbonated soda and 10g of candy a day. poi
In view of the fact, therefore, that children are the most at risk when it comes to taking these harmful substances through the consumption of snacks, carbonated drinks and various bakery products, it is good to be concerned about what is offered to this group of small consumers. One fizzy drink a day… poi
Let’s start paying attention to consumption outside the home: what is proposed by vending machines within schools is often one of the worst sources of nutrition.
Would it not be better to opt for the choice of offering healthy and healthy products as an alternative to so-called junk food. #One fizzy drink a day… poi
