Annatto (Or Achiote) Can Be Deadly!

There is a new trend in food that is causing quite a stir! Annatto from the achiote tree is an allergen used as a food coloring in South American foods (the seed pod looks like a horse chestnut! (poisonous!). It's an orange-red color that comes from a seed. But food manufacturers have embraced it! It is in gold fish crackers, butters, custards, cheeses, sauces, chips, frozen fries and the list goes on! It can cause a mild headache, stomach ache or make your lips and throat swell! I wish we would stop using this food coloring for the sake of those who are allergic! You can't even trust a date out to the local South American restaurant--they add it in their foods too! It's even found its way into cosmetics and essential oils...

Other names: annatto, achiote, achiotillo, bija, urucum, atsuete