A bunny with temper tantrums? An irritable, over-active rabbit who could not concentrate long enough to sort Easter baskets?

That’s what the Easter Bunny would be like if he ate the brightly colored candies he brings children every spring

Most parents would be shocked to learn that these candies’ vibrant colors come from petroleum-based dyes linked with hyperactivity, inattention, and other problems. My own daughter’s behavior was helped by eliminating these additives.

In fact, many synthetic food colorings are produced in Chinese petrochemical refineries.

European families have an advantage over American ones in choosing healthier candy, because most synthetically colored foods sold in the European Union must now carry a label warning that these dyes “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”

While a recent Food and Drug Administration panel narrowly rejected requiring similar warning labels on dyed foods sold in the United States, it concluded that these dyes can exacerbate the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavior problems in susceptible children.

These actions were prompted by mounting scientific evidence, including a meta-analysis of 15 studies, in which researchers from Columbia University and Harvard Medical School concluded that synthetic food dyes are linked with hyperactivity.

A highly regarded study in a British medical journal, The Lancet, also found that synthetic food dyes can trigger hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity in all children, not just those with ADHD. This study credited Dr. Ben Feingold, who developed the low-additive Feingold Diet, with discovering the link between these additives and hyperactivity.

A recent study from the University of Arizona went further and suggested that the increased consumption of synthetic food colorings in the modern diet may be partly responsible for the dramatic rise in ADHD. This study recommended that all families of children with ADHD eliminate these dyes from their children’s diet as much as possible.

Another major concern with synthetic food dyes is cancer. Red No. 3 has been shown to cause cancer and three other dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) are contaminated with low levels of known cancer-causing compounds, such as benzidine.

What should you put in your children’s Easter baskets?

• Avoid candies containing the synthetic dyes Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 3, Red 40, Green 3 and Orange B.

• Buy natural versions of delicious candies like jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and peanut butter kisses.

·• Include packages of heirloom flower or vegetable seeds, which the children can plant to emphasize the spirit of rebirth or renewal.

• Choose smaller treats because, where candy is concerned, smaller is usually better.

• Add some art supplies, such as crayons, brushes, and watercolors, in order to encourage creativity.

• Put packages of dried pineapples, figs, raisins, dates, 100 percent fruit roll-ups, or homemade trail mix in the basket.

• Include a new toy or book and top off the basket with a stuffed bunny or chick.

Be sure to feed your children a nourishing meal before they dig into their Easter treats, and consider planning an Easter egg hunt, so that they can get some exercise while having fun with the family.

Editor’s note: The Feingold Association helps families use the Feingold Diet, which eliminates synthetic food dyes, artificial flavorings, and certain preservatives. The charity conducts in-depth research with food companies and provides members with information about which foods are free of harmful additives. Online: feingold.org Phone: 800-321-3287)