When it comes to feeding our children and ourselves, we want to believe that what's in the pouch or jar is safe, wholesome, and nutritious. But here’s the reality: many commercially available baby and toddler foods in the U.S. still contain chemical additives, artificial dyes, and synthetic preservatives, some of which are banned or heavily restricted in other countries due to safety concerns.
At Kekoa Foods, we take a radically different approach. Our organic, globally inspired purees contain zero dyes, zero artificial preservatives, and absolutely nothing artificial. Just real, whole ingredients with names you can pronounce and nutrients your little ones can use.
To Name a Few Artificial Food Dyes
These are used to enhance color and make food appear more appealing—but they have zero nutritional value and can present several potential health risks.
Red 40 (Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, or E129)
- Found in: cereals, candies, fruit snacks, drinks
- Linked to: hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and potential DNA damage
- Banned or restricted in: the European Union and UK require warning labels
- Reference: Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow 5, E102, C.I. 19140, Yellow 5 Lake, Acid Yellow 23, Food Yellow 4, or trisodium 1-(4-sulfonatophenyl)-4-(4-sulfonatophenylazo)-5-pyrazolone-3-carboxylate)
- Found in: puddings, snacks, cereals
- Linked to: behavioral issues in children, hives, and asthma-like symptoms
- Reference: NIH study on Tartrazine hypersensitivity
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)
- Found in: boxed mac and cheese, candy, drinks
- Linked to: adrenal gland tumors in animal studies, hyperactivity
- Reference: CSPI Additive Database
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue No. 1, or Acid Blue 9)
- Found in: candy, yogurt, fruit drinks
- Linked to: cancer risk in animal studies and allergic reactions
- Reference: CSPI Report
Carmine (Cochineal Extract, or code names: Natural Red 4, C.I. 75470 or E120)
- Found in: fruit-flavored yogurts, juices, candies, and snacks labeled as “natural color.”
- Linked to: severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it's derived from insects.
- Reference: FDA Food Coloring Information FDA.gov
Green 3 (Fast Green FCF, Food green 3, FD&C Green No. 3, Green 1724, Solid Green FCF, or CI 42053)
- Found in: mint candies, drinks, gelatin desserts, and processed peas.
- Linked to: bladder and testes tumors in animal studies; safety data is limited in children.
- Banned or restricted in the European Union
- Reference: CSPI Additive Safety Report
Orange B (Acid Orange 137, C.I. Acid Orange 137, Disodium 1-(4-sulfophenyl)-3-ethylcarboxy-4-(4-sulfonaphthylazo)-5-hydroxypyrazole)
- Found in: sausage and hot dog casings (approved by the FDA in limited concentrations).
- Linked to: potential carcinogenic effects; limited safety data in humans.
- Reference: Environmental Health Perspectives
Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue No. 2, or Indigotine)
- Found in candies, cereals, sports drinks.
- Linked to: brain tumors in animal studies; still under review for human safety.
- Reference: CSPI Food Dye Report
Preservatives to Watch Out For
Preservatives are often used to extend shelf life, but some of the most common ones raise serious health concerns, especially for little ones with developing organs and immune systems.
Sodium Benzoate
- Found in: fruit drinks, condiments, snack pouches
- Linked to hyperactivity and oxidative stress, and when combined with vitamin C, may form benzene, a known carcinogen.
- Reference: NIH
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
- Found in: cereals, snack foods, baked goods
- Linked to: endocrine disruption, potential carcinogenic effects
- Banned in: Japan, parts of the EU
- Reference: National Toxicology Program
Sodium Nitrite / Sodium Nitrate
- Found in: processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meat.
- Linked to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines; may cause “blue baby syndrome” in infants.
- Reference: National Cancer Institute
Sodium Phosphate
- Found in: packaged meats, processed cheese, and baked goods.
- Linked to: mineral imbalances and kidney strain, especially concerning for infants.
- Reference: National Institutes of Health – Phosphates in Food
Sorbic Acid/Potassium Sorbate
- Found in: cheeses, fruit juices, baked goods, and snack foods.
- Linked to: potential allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues.
- Reference: PubChem - Sorbic Acid Safety
Calcium Propionate
- Found iin commercialbreads, tortillas, and pastries.
- Linked to: Iirritability restlessness, and behavioral changes in children.
- Reference: EFSA Journal
Sulfites/Sulfur Dioxide
- Found in: dried fruits, wine, fruit juices, and some canned vegetables.
- Linked to: severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Reference: FDA Sulfite Sensitivity Overview
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)
- Found in: packaged snacks, frozen meals, and fast-food frying oils.
- Linked to: immune dysfunction and behavioral changes; potential carcinogen in high doses.
- Reference: National Library of Medicine
Propyl Gallate
- Found in: fats and oils, processed meats, gum, and baked goods.
- Linked to: hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and possible carcinogenic effects.
- Reference: Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Why This Knowledge is Critical
Infants and toddlers are more vulnerable to food additives because:
- Their bodies and brains are still developing
- They consume more food per pound of body weight than adults
- Their detoxification systems are immature
According to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is growing evidence that some food additives can interfere with hormones, growth, and neurological development in children.
Kekoa Foods: 100% Clean. No Dyes. No Preservatives.
We’re proud to say you’ll never find a synthetic dye or artificial preservative in any Kekoa Foods pouch. We believe purees should be just that, real food for babies and even adults, crafted to support growth, development, and a lifelong relationship with healthy eating.
Additional References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest. Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks.
- NIH. Tartrazine (Yellow 5) Hypersensitivity.
- National Toxicology Program. Toxicity Report on BHA.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Food Additives and Child Health.
- Environmental Working Group (EWG). Preservatives to Avoid in Food and Cosmetics.
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Healthline. Common Food Additives to Watch Out For.