Dyes are currently very normalized in our daily life, although they’re harmful to our health. Children are attracted to their vibrant colors and adults sometimes don’t have time to think about food compositions. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Health Secretary of the United States government – is taking care of this issue with a mission called ‘Make America healthy again’. Let’s hope this comes true because the country is one of the unhealthiest in the world. 

Dyes

There are two types of colorants: artificial dyes are chemical substances found in many products, although food and drinks are the most worrying ones. They’re used to catch consumers’ attention, but what people might not know is some of  these colorants are made of petroleum. On the other hand, we find natural colorants, the ones made out of natural sources like fruits or vegetables – but they’re less attractive to the sight. 

Don’t forget these numbers

When it comes to artificial colorants we find mane names with numbers at the back of the products labelings, but if we aren’t experts or well informed on these terms we don’t know what we’re consuming. So, let’s dig on some of them:

Red Dye No. 3: a red colorant made out of petroleum. This red pinkish color was used for candies and medicine. Children would ingest this colorant much often.
Citrus Red No. 2: this is the orange dye, as its name reveals.  It’s made of synthetics. This one is used to brighten the skin of oranges.
Orange B: this one is a much brighter orange. It is also made of chemicals and it was used to enhance hot dogs’ appearance. 
Red No. 40: it is one of the most common dyes. It is also red, but more intense and orangey, and made out of petroleum and used again mainly on children’s products. Similar to Red Dye No.3.

Red Dye No.3 has been in the process of being banned since January by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The limit time to stop using this component was 2027-2028, but the government is currently advising not to use it way before. The rest of the colorants are on the ‘’naughty list’’ too, and will disappear very soon.

Health vs. dyes

There are not conclusive studies about colorants being the main cause of health issues, but there is evidence of them being dangerous – mostly on children. These are the ones who eat more colorants as the majority of their food and treats are made of artificial colorants. Some research show that colorants like Red No. 40 is related to hyperactivity, mood changes and lack of attention – this is more evident in ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) children.

Another health issue coming from dyes is allergies. This is a very common health problem, but it’s also very dangerous as some of the allergies causes are: skin reactions, bulging and lack of the most necessary ability – breathing. 

Americans, listen up!

Citizens of the United States of America are realizing that companies are hiding information from them and people are demanding transparency in food labels, so they are aware of what they and their children are eating. 

Healthy eating habits have always been a complex task to achieve since people lack time and they prepare the fastest meal possible – normally they’re the most unhealthy ones. This added to dying foods is a bombshell for society, so the fact that the U.S government is taking action on this issue is good news. There is hope in the future of next generations’ health improvement. You should check food labelings next time you go shopping, take care of yourself!