Researchers checked chewing gum products sold online in India to see what color additives they contained and whether they followed safety rules. They compared Indian chewing gums to what’s allowed in the European Union and United States. The study found that some chewing gums sold in India contain color additives that aren’t allowed in other countries, or use amounts that exceed safety limits. This matters because people chew gum regularly, and some artificial dyes have raised health concerns in scientific research. Understanding what’s in the products we buy helps us make informed choices about what we consume.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: What color additives are in chewing gum products sold through Indian online stores, and whether they follow safety rules in India, Europe, and the USA
- Who participated: Researchers analyzed chewing gum products available for purchase on Indian online marketplaces. The exact number of products tested wasn’t specified in the abstract, but they compared findings across different countries’ regulations
- Key finding: Some chewing gums sold in India contain synthetic color additives that are either banned in other countries or present in amounts that exceed safety limits set by regulatory agencies
- What it means for you: If you buy chewing gum online in India, some products may contain food dyes that other countries consider unsafe. This suggests checking ingredient lists and considering brands that follow stricter international standards, though occasional chewing gum use is unlikely to cause harm for most people
The Research Details
Researchers purchased chewing gum products from Indian online marketplaces and analyzed them to identify what color additives they contained. They then compared these findings against the safety rules and allowed additives in India, the European Union, and the United States. This type of study is called a compliance check—it’s like a food safety audit to see if products meet regulations. By comparing across three different regulatory systems, the researchers could identify which additives might be concerning because they’re restricted in some countries but not others.
Different countries have different rules about which food dyes are safe and how much can be used. The EU tends to have stricter rules than the USA, and India’s rules may differ from both. By checking what’s actually in products sold online, researchers can identify potential gaps in food safety oversight. This is important because online shopping makes it easier for products to cross borders, and consumers might not realize they’re buying something with additives that wouldn’t be allowed in other countries.
This study provides a real-world snapshot of what’s actually being sold to consumers. The strength of this research comes from directly testing actual products rather than relying on labels alone. However, the study is limited to products available at one point in time on Indian online platforms, so results may change as products are updated or removed from sale. The findings are most reliable for identifying which additives are present, though determining actual health risk would require additional research.
What the Results Show
The study found that some chewing gum products sold through Indian online marketplaces contain synthetic color additives that are not permitted in the European Union or are used in amounts that exceed EU safety limits. This suggests a significant difference in how strictly color additives are regulated between India and Europe. Some products also contained additives in quantities that may exceed recommended safe levels. The researchers identified specific additives of concern, showing that consumers in India may be exposed to food dyes at levels or types that regulatory agencies in other countries have deemed unsafe.
The research revealed variations in compliance across different brands and products, indicating inconsistent adherence to even India’s own food safety standards. Some products were found to comply with Indian regulations but still exceeded international safety standards, highlighting the gap between different countries’ rules. The study also documented which specific color additives were most commonly used in Indian chewing gum products.
Previous research has shown that synthetic food dyes can affect behavior and health in some people, particularly children. The European Union has been progressively restricting artificial color additives based on this research, while the USA allows more types. This study adds to existing concerns by showing that products sold in India may contain additives that stricter regulatory systems have already limited or banned. It supports the broader scientific trend of moving away from synthetic dyes toward natural alternatives.
The study doesn’t specify exactly how many products were tested, which makes it harder to understand how representative the findings are. The research only looked at products available at one specific time, so it may not reflect current products. The study identifies which additives are present but doesn’t measure actual health effects on people who chew these products. Additionally, online marketplaces change constantly, so some products tested may no longer be available.
The Bottom Line
If you regularly chew gum, consider choosing products with natural colorings or brands that follow EU safety standards (moderate confidence). Check ingredient labels and look for products that list natural alternatives like beetroot juice or spirulina instead of synthetic dyes (moderate confidence). This is especially important for children, who may be more sensitive to artificial additives (moderate confidence). Occasional gum chewing is unlikely to cause problems for most people, even with synthetic dyes (high confidence).
Parents of young children should pay attention to this research, as children consume more gum relative to their body weight and may be more sensitive to additives. People with sensitivities to artificial dyes or food additives should be particularly careful. Regular gum chewers who buy online should consider checking labels. People in India buying chewing gum should be aware that products may have different safety standards than in other countries. This is less critical for occasional gum chewers or those who buy from regulated retail stores with quality controls.
If you switch to gum with fewer artificial dyes, you won’t notice immediate changes—this is about long-term health protection rather than quick benefits. Any potential benefits from reducing artificial dye exposure would likely appear over weeks to months of consistent changes, though most people won’t notice obvious differences. The main benefit is peace of mind knowing you’re choosing products with stricter safety standards.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track which chewing gum brands you purchase and note whether they contain synthetic dyes or natural colorings. Rate your choices weekly (0-10 scale) based on how many products with natural colors you bought versus synthetic dyes
- When buying chewing gum online, use the app to scan product barcodes or search the ingredient list before purchasing. Set a goal to switch to one brand with natural colorings this month. Create a shopping list of approved gum brands that meet stricter international standards
- Monthly review of gum purchases and ingredient quality. Track the percentage of gum products you buy that contain natural versus synthetic colorings. Set a goal to increase natural-colored options by 25% each month until you reach your target
This research identifies which color additives are present in chewing gum products and compares them to different countries’ safety standards. It does not prove that these additives will cause health problems in individuals who chew gum occasionally. The study is informational and should not replace advice from your doctor or dentist. If you have concerns about food additives or your child’s health, consult with a healthcare provider. This summary is for educational purposes and reflects the research findings, not medical advice.