FDA, HHS to Phase Out Eight Food Dyes – Are Snacks Healthy Now?
On April 22, the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced that they will begin to restrict eight petroleum-based food dyes and have requested Red No. 3 to be removed quicker than previously ordered.
The seven dyes planned to be eliminated are FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, Citrus Red No. 2, and Orange B. Multiple studies have given evidence of the harmful nature of these artificial dyes, so it is puzzling why this action has taken so long. Red No. 3 was banned in cosmetics in the U.S. in 1990 after evidence of the dye causing cancer. However, the dye continued to be allowed in U.S. foods until this January, when it was given a deadline of 2028. The other dyes are intended to be removed from all U.S. foods by the end of 2026.
What does this mean for the health of Americans?
This initiative is a wonderful step towards a healthy America, but there are more harmful ingredients included in common food products that should be avoided. Listed below are two ingredients and multiple products to stay away from.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup – associated with fat production and inflammation. Included in:
- Heinz Ketchup
- Wonderbread
- Ritz Original Crackers
- Coca-Cola, Fanta, and many other sodas
- Oreos
- Lunchables
Sodium Nitrate – can restrict oxygen from traveling in your body and has caused death in multiple species of animals. Can be found in:
- Slim Jims
- Jack Link’s Beef Tender Bites
- Hillshire Snacking
- Lunchables
- Black Label Bacon
Conclusion:
The healthiness of snacking is based on the products you eat. Try to substitute some of your favorite snacks for fruits, vegetables, organic meat, and honey. For Slim Jims and the other listed meat products, substitute them with Hormel Natural Choice Bacon or Paleovalley beef sticks. If you are craving sweets, Ice Cream For Bears makes low-ingredient ice creams sweetened only with honey. Most importantly, stay away from Lunchables.