...
By Jasmine Laws
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A batch of tortilla chips from La Mexicana Tortilla Factory, distributed in Texas, has been recalled due to the presence of undeclared food coloring, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On Tuesday, the agency gave the recall a Class II risk classification, indicating use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, but the chances of such impacts are remote.
Newsweek reached out to La Mexicana Tortilla Factory via email for comment.
Read More on U.S.
Why It Matters
According to the FDA, while allergic reactions to color additives are rare, dyes must be included in product labels. The omission of Yellow 5 on product labeling raises health concerns, particularly for those with allergies. The dye, also known as tartrazine, can trigger reactions such as hives, itching, nasal congestion and even asthma-like symptoms.
What To Know
On March 13, La Mexicana Tortilla Factory Inc. in Duncanville, Texas, initiated a recall for its Tortilla Chip Green 4 due to the presence of undeclared Yellow 5 food dye.
The affected product was packaged in 5-pound bags with six bags per box. Three boxes of the product are included in the recall, and each is marked with the code 25072-4. The distribution was limited to Texas.
A Class II classification is identified as "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."
...
Color additives are used in foods for many reasons, including to offset color loss due to exposure to light, air, temperature extremes, moisture and storage conditions, to correct natural variations in color, to enhance colors that occur naturally, and provide color to colorless and "fun" foods, such as cake decorations.
However, Yellow 5 can cause allergic reactions, and also contains the carcinogenic contaminants Benzidine and 4-amino-biphenyl.
According to the Center for Science In The Public Interest, six out of 11 studies
found a connection between the food dye and genotoxicity, as well as hyperactivity in children.
What People Are Saying
The FDA previously said: "It is possible, but rare, to have an allergic-type reaction to a color additive. For example, FD&C Yellow No. 5 may cause itching and hives in some people. This color additive is widely found in foods (for example, beverages, desserts, candy, and breakfast cereals), drugs, and cosmetics.
"The FDA requires all color additives to be declared by their listed names or appropriate abbreviations on product labels so that they can be identified by consumers. On medicine labels, the certified color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5 must also be identified by its uncertified name, 'tartrazine.'"
What Happens Next
The FDA lists the recall as ongoing. Consumers with allergies to synthetic food dyes are advised to monitor recall databases and carefully examine product labels.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines