Lashiconnah Hammer
Mr. Israeli
English 102
24 November 2013
Kraft Mac N’ Cheese
Exploring a Problem Over the past decade, the amount of cancer patients has increased dramatically. The fight against cancer stays constant. There is no answer and no cure to the disease. It is looked at as an unreciprocated problem. Fortunately, scientists have the advance technology to trace a single cancerous cell in our tissue to the chemical compound infected by the cell. Tests have been conducted on food dye placed in our foods and the results were devastating. The FDA, Food and Drug Administration, in the U.S. have allowed these chemical compounds, yellow 5 and yellow 6, in iconic foods brands like Kraft Mac’ N’ Cheese. Many were dumbfounded that the U.S., openly knowing yellow 5 and 6 are known carcinogens, would allow it in our food products. Hundreds of families have come together to create a petition against Kraft’s and the FDA. Kraft’s or the FDA has yet to response to all these eager families affected by yellow 5 and 6. FDA is unwilling to cut regulations saying evidences cannot be pin pointed to causing cancer. Kraft’s continues to produce Mac N’ Cheese with the yellow food dye in the U.S. but has been restricted to allow the dye in there overseas product. I believe we deserves the same Kraft Mac N’ Cheese as produced overseas, containing no artificial food dye.
Describe chemical—scientist analyst—To get a clear understanding of the molecule, we must break it down. The difference between yellow 5 and yellow 6 is minor. Visually, yellow 5 is a light yellow color, whereas, yellow 6 is an orange tint. When mixed together, they give off a golden metallic shine. To consumer, the chemical formulates an appealing cheesy blush. Yellow 5 and 6 are developed in a chemistry lab with chemicals derived from petroleum. They are the same type of ingredients as asphalt, tar, and gasoline. The chemical provides no value to the overall product. They don’t change the nutritional value or the taste of the Mac N’ Cheese. Instead it is used solely for aesthetics.
How is it linked to cancer—Artificial food dyes have been getting a lot of attention by consumers. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, CSPI, has announced that both food dyes are contaminated with known carcinogens. Which means it has a direct connection to causing cancer. Other side effects include a negative affect on children’s ability to learn and concentrate, links to asthma, skin rashes, and migraines. The amount of cancer patient associated with food dyes is constantly increasing over time. In the 60’s and 70’s, several children would consume Kraft Mac N’ Cheese for at least one of their meals. It was a cheap, easy to serve, American hearted meal. As the children continued to consume this meal, they were also consuming small portions of artificial food dye. As the portions build up week by week, it becomes embedded to their systems. After eating Kraft’s Mac N’ Cheese over many years, the chemical starts to take affect of your overall health. Many adults develop stomach cancer from their overly excessive mac n’ cheese diet as children. Several test have been conducted on animal species to find any traces of diseases. James Huff of the National Toxicology Program says:
“Some dyes have caused cancers in animals, contain cancer-causing contaminants, or have been inadequately tested for cancer or other problems. Their continued use presents unnecessary risks to humans, especially young children. It’s disappointing that the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] has not addressed the toxic threat posed by food dyes.” In this quote, James Huff brings up an important topic on animal testing. Animals are formally used for testing a hypothesis. When the CPSI conducted their experiment, several mice were injected with an excessive amount of yellow 5, a few mice developed cancer over time and all mice had hyperactivity and cognitive despairs. Another test was done on four different mice by sixth graders conducting a science experiment called “Fuzzy Brained Mice.” The mice were tested on how quickly they were able to run through a maze. As the numbers were recorded, the mice completed the maze at around the same times, all concluding no more then 15 to 20 seconds apart. As mouse one and two were given yellow 5 dye to their water, the timing changed dramatically.

As seen in the graph, mouse one and two increased their time by at least five times, whereas, mouse three and four remained constant. Scientist have always proven hyperactivity in these artificial food dyes, but no one understands the extent or the impact it has on their cognitive level. Instead on cutting down on time, the mice increased time as more and more yellow five was added.
Precautions the FDA has taken—The FDA has yet to take any precautions of yellow 5 and 6. The proven symptoms, represented by the CSPI, raises suspicion to the consumers. In 2010, a test was done on the three most widely used dyes, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. The test results from the CSPI claimed that all three were “contaminated” with known carcinogens. Another dye that isn’t used as frequently is Red 3. The FDA has clear knowledge that Red 3 is an actually carcinogen but yet we still find it in sausage, oral medication, and candies.
Oversea products
Other products with yellow 5 and 6
Quotes from users
Conclude with opinion --In my opinion, Kraft will continue to put yellow 5 and yellow 6 in with their U.S. product until the FDA takes action. Kraft has no incentive to take out the chemical because it will give conclusive evidence to the jury. All trials against Krafts will be up in the air because Kraft would be willingly knowing that their product is dangerous. If the FDA takes action then nothing falls on Kraft and the FDA will be sewed. The FDA will continue its strive to persuade individuals that the yellow dye is harmless. Both must deem this chemical a serious risk to the consumer. It is taking the lives of innocent victims. No value is gained by including this dye. It is a pointless aesthetic. I have come to the conclusion that money is the only thing stopping these two firms from doing anything about it. Money shouldn’t represent the value of life. It is our job to have our voices be heard and to keep this topic trending.

Work cited: http://www.livestrong.com/article/370945-health-effects-of-yellow-5-food-coloring/ http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Manufacturers/Kraft-meets-the-foodbabe-but-says-FD-C-Yellow-5-and-6-will-stay-in-Mac-Cheese-for-now http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/03/16/kraft-macaroni-and-cheese-contains-harmful-dyes http://www.inspirationgreen.com/food-dyes-linked-to-behavior-problems.html
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/07/popular-food-dyes-linked-to-cancer-adhd-and-allergies/#.Uor6RxayTjT