America, Please Ban Red 40

Summary

The article calls for a ban on Red 40, a synthetic food coloring linked to behavioral disorders and long-term neurological problems, which is pervasive in American food products despite being banned or restricted in several European countries.

Abstract

The article "America, Please Ban Red 40" argues for the prohibition of the artificial colorant Red 40 due to its association with hyperactivity, behavioral disorders, and irreversible neurological damage, particularly in children and pregnant mothers. It highlights that Red 40, derived from petroleum, is widely used in American foods, including candy, drinks, dairy products, gelatin, snacks, and cereals, despite being banned in various European nations. The author points out that although the FDA allows its use if listed on packaging, 43% of American children's diets include artificial dyes like Red 40. The article suggests that the continued use of Red 40 is driven by economic interests, as it is cheaper and more stable than natural alternatives. The author advocates for consumer awareness and the support of alternative brands that use natural colorings, promising to share a list of such brands in a future article.

Opinions

Red 40 is harmful, causing long-term neurological problems and exacerbating behavioral disorders, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant mothers.
The widespread use of Red 40 in American food products is unacceptable, given its potential health risks and the existence of bans or restrictions in other countries.
The FDA's current regulations on Red 40 are insufficient to protect public health.
The food industry prioritizes profit over consumer health by using Red 40 for its lower cost, better blending capabilities, and consistent taste, despite safer alternatives being available.
Consumers should take action by choosing products from brands that do not use artificial dyes like Red 40.
The author is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of Red 40 and will provide resources to help consumers make healthier choices.

Behavioral disorders are on the rise. Red 40 is consumed more than ever. It’s time for change.

Red 40 is a synthetic color additive made from petroleum and causes long-term neurological problems. Other substances made from petroleum include gasoline, jet fuel and asphalt. Red 40 is excessively used in American food. This chemical is banned in Norway, France, Austria, Finland, the U.K, and is heavily restricted in Europe.

Red 40 is known to cause hyperactivity and behavioral disorders. Its effects seem to worsen for children and pregnant mothers by causing irreversible damage. Even more disappointing, 43% of American kid’s diets contain artificial dyes. Studies have found a correlation between the consumption of Red 40 and an increase of anxiety, depression and learning disorders.

The FDA allows Red 40 to be used within these specific food categories as long as the ingredient is listed on the packaging.

Foods with Red 40

Candy (M&Ms, Skittles, Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers)

Drinks (Fruit Punch Gatorade, Mountain Dew Code Red, Sunkist Orange)

Dairy Products (Yoplait Trix Yogurt, Light ‘n Fit Nonfat Yogurt)

Gelatin (Nearly all of Jello’s products)

Snacks (Doritos, Pop-Tarts, Quaker Granola Bars)

Cereal (Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, Trix, Fruity Pebbles)

So why can’t these companies just switch to naturally derived colors? Money. Red 40’s cheaper, easier to blend, looks prettier and tastes consistently better. America’s health is suffering so millionaire CEOs can make more money.

The immediate solution to this problem is to buy alternative brands. I plan to post an article with these organic brands as soon as possible.

Thank you so much for reading. Educating yourself is the first step in raising awareness for this problem. Let’s work together to improve our future health.

If this sparked your interest, check out my other article on food additives: 5 Toxic Food Additives the FDA Allows