The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday (Earth Day) a series of measures to phase out eight artificial food dyes and colorings from America’s food supply by the end of next year.
Speaking at a news conference, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the agencies will work with food companies to remove dyes from products.
Kennedy addressed a crowd of “Make America Healthy Again” supporters during the news conference and said, “And four years from now, we’re going to have most of these products off the market, or you will know about them when you go to the grocery store.”
Kennedy was referring to the plethora of consumer “foods” that currently sit on our grocery shelves. These synthetic petroleum-based food dyes are used in cereal, ice cream, snacks, yogurts and more. They’re also in some medications. What is the point of taking a hot pink pill if a plain white one has the same effect?
Well…IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!
For 50+ years, our American children have been living in a toxic bowl of artificial chemicals.
According to a press release sent out Tuesday afternoon, HHS and FDA are calling on the food industry to “establish a national standard and timeline … to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.” Kennedy called for a commitment to remove all artificial dyes by the end of 2026.
Already, red and blue states alike have taken matters into their own hands in removing artificial food dyes from certain foods. Both West Virginia and California have passed laws to ban a handful of food dyes from school lunches, with plans to extend the ban to a broader, statewide level too.
Twenty-six other states, from Iowa to Washington and from to Texas to Vermont, are considering similar legislation around banning food dyes or other chemical additives in foods, according to a list compiled by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization that focuses on chemicals and toxins.
What are the health risks?
From candy to breakfast cereal to medication, synthetic food dyes are in a wide range of products that Americans consume. Studies suggest their vibrant color makes food more appealing and could even increase appetite.
Studies have found a link between petroleum-based synthetic dyes and health conditions, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obesity, diabetes, cancer and gastrointestinal issues. All dyes have the potential to spark allergic reactions for a small minority. Several dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children or have been shown to cause cancer in mice or rats.
While the health effects of the dyes are not fully understood, many other countries have either banned the additives outright or required food packaging warning labels about the health risks.
It has been well known why the American population is one of the most unhealthy in the world. Due to our SAD (Standard American Diet), 35% of the adult population is classified as dangerously overweight.
However, I am grateful for step #1 (removing synthetic dyes and colors from our foods).
Now, it’s time for the US to step up with removing artificial flavors and preservatives from our food and drinks, as well! And, when other countries adopt a cleaner ingredient list, we will have a healthier world all together.
I’m optimistic! 😉 Stay tuned.
Adapted from ABC News
Photos by Pure And Wholly Living, LLC