The FDA’s Food Advisory Committee voted 3 to 11 today that there is not enough evidence to support a link between artificial food coloring and hyperactivity in children. While it is recommended that the issue be studied further, the committee voted 8 to 6 that products containing dyes do not need warning labels on the packages. You can visit the FDA for more background info and read more about today’s vote here.

Personally, I think the less artificial crap we pump into kids the better. While I can be okay with saying that there is not (yet) any conclusive evidence to show that these dyes cause hyperactivity, I think there should be clear labeling to make it as easy as possible for parents to avoid dye-containing products if they choose to.

Fortunately, it can be very simple to add colorful foods to your diet. Fruits and vegetables are some of the most vibrant ways to “eat the rainbow,” as they say. You can also make your own food dyes at home using things like beets, turmeric, spinach, purple cabbage, and berries—no creepy chemicals needed.

Here’s a link to directions on how to make food colorings that are free of corn, gluten, and toxins. If anyone has any other suggestions for making your own food coloring, I’d love to hear about it—and to see pictures!