States across the U.S., driven by public health concerns, are rushing to ban synthetic food dyes linked to health risks, citing both a lack of federal action and mounting public pressure.
Carey Gillam reports for The New Lede.
In short:
- A dozen states, including West Virginia and Oklahoma, are moving to ban food dyes due to health concerns, particularly for children.
- Bipartisan support for these measures is growing, fueled by the "Make America Healthy Again" movement.
- The FDA has been slow to act: The agency recently banned Red Dye No. 3, but only after being legally pressured.
- In the absence of swift federal action, some states are taking matters into their own hands.
Key quote:
“I think many see FDA’s belated ban on Red 3 as further evidence that FDA is not very effective at safeguarding the food supply.”
— Lisa Lefferts, environmental health consultant who served on a 2011 FDA advisory board
Why this matters:
Public health advocates have long pushed for action on food dyes and additives, linking them to health issues like neurobehavioral problems and cancers. While food industry groups argue there's insufficient evidence of harm, the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, backed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is gaining momentum. Fueled by social media, the MAHA movement has spurred broader support for banning these additives.
As states take action against harmful food additives, this reflects a deeper concern about the FDA's ability to protect public health. These moves may add momentum to the push for stronger regulation of food safety nationwide.
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