Red colours and Cochineal colouring?

[kathrynj]

I just discovered that this is an insect, called a cochineal?
It is crushed to make this colouring. Ewwwwwww.

Was discussing smarties (choc) in the chatroom and learned that some places have stopped using artificial colours for smarties, but replaced the red with cochineal.

So smarties are neither vegan or vegetarian! I avoid them any way as my dear daughter goes mad with red coloured things, but the cochineal bit was new to me.

Yesterday we had a salad and my daughter selectively ate only the red capsicum and tomatoes, and by golly she jumped around on the walls for a good while afterwards! Amazing as I thought it was the ARTIFICIAL red, but it seems any red causes a bit of hyper, though the other side of it, where the come down is bad was missing, so it may be ok.


Does anyone have experience with this red colour thing and children?

Interestingly she always goes for the red coloured things, even the redest red apples, which I have discovered give me migrane.

[JarBax]

I have no personal experience of the red colour/hyperactivity thing - though note a lot of the kids at the school where I work drink the cheapest, nastiest 'red kola' - and lo and behold, after break time and lunchtime - their behaviour can be atrocious. (Mind you - some also drink the stuff for breakfast, so first thing can be testing too!)

I have heard of red foods causing migranes too (any connection with red-wine I wonder?)

Whilst holidaying on the beautiful island of Lanzarote a few years ago, we marvelled at the fields and fields of cacti. On these cacti, were 'farmed' cochineal bugs. One farmer stood at the side of his field which backed onto a carpark, showing folks that when squished, the bugs left a hefty red stain. The bugs are very like woodlice/slaters. His hands were stained red.

[MCR_Rox]

That sounds disgusting!

[daftscotslass]

Actually one of my mum's friends has a daughter that, when she was younger, had a diet much like the children at your school Jane. When she was 6 she was diagnosed with a form of ADHD. She was told to cut out all forms of artificial colouring, flavouring and caffeine containing sweets and drinks. Low and behold, when she kept to her diet, her behaviour was no more extreme than any other child at her school.

[cavyinhawaii]

I have a lot of experience with food dyes. I have a child with many problems. Getting rid of food dyes is a great way to go! The difference is unbelieveable, If you can get it 100% out of the diet.
The Food dye you are refering, insect based, to is now illegal to use, at least in the USA. The dye also did not stop at red their was also a yellow. So many people had such severe allergic reactions to and some actually died. I did my research about 7 or 8 years ago so I can't give you dates, presentages etc. Its all on the internet if you research food dyes and allergy.
On a better note getting rid of Red food dye, for it to work for your child, you have to get rid of 100%. Not one drop or your back at step one. You have to read packages carefully. They slip food dye in everywhere.
also Red +yellow = orange so you have to check orange food. I found it everywhere. It is easier to shop in a "health food" store where the boxes clearly states no artificial dyes. You only sometimes see that in regular markets. Don't forget to check cheese too.
Blue lake #12 was also a problem for us.
It is very much worth it if you have ADHD problems. The biggest problem was keeping an eye on what he was getting at school. I packed the lunch but when kids trade or share you run into trouble. School parties can be a nightmare with most sodas and candys.
I think I got both questions for two people.If your intrested I do have some books I can dig out and recommend. They are not Vegan but very allegry and health concious for ADHD/ autistic children. Most stores sell tofu hamburger, eggs etc. that you could substitute.