Disgraceful. Disturbing. Long Overdue.
These are just a few of the words that come to mind with the FDA's recent ban of Red Dye #3, an artificial food additive that has been proven harmful for decades. While we should celebrate this long-awaited decision, it’s impossible to ignore the shameful fact that it took this long to happen—especially when many other countries banned this toxic ingredient years ago.
Red Dye #3: How Did We Get Here?
Red Dye #3, commonly found in candies, baked goods, fresh/processed foods, and even medications, has long been linked to serious health risks, including cancer in laboratory studies. Despite this evidence, it remained a staple in American food products while other nations swiftly removed it from their shelves. Why? Because corporate profits and convenience often outweighed public health- to make it plain, greed.
It wasn’t until a national protest and uproar against Kellogg’s continued use of Red Dye #3 that lawmakers finally stepped up. The company’s refusal to change its ingredient list sparked outrage, forcing consumers to confront the harsh reality that America continues to allow dangerous chemicals in our food. This protest was a tipping point, demonstrating that when the people demand better, change can happen. But it shouldn't take this level of outrage to prioritize public safety.
Tarnished Progress
While the ban on Red Dye #3 is a step in the right direction, the fight for healthier food is far from over. Other harmful artificial dyes—such as Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and Blue #1—are still allowed in the U.S., even though they, too, have been linked to health risks and banned in other countries. These dyes continue to saturate our food supply, especially in products marketed to children. What's more, many of these dyes are not limited to just contaminating our food, they are also found in many trusted hair and body products as well. How is it acceptable that we’re still exposing ourselves and our loved ones to ingredients that are unnecessary, harmful, and easily replaceable? Natural coloring agents exist, yet they are deemed “too expensive” or “too inconvenient” for corporations to use. Last time I checked when producing Abstract Spice Seasonings, healthful beneficial culinary hues such as paprika and turmeric were pretty inexpensive, undoubtedly less expensive than creating chemicals in a lab. Regardless, it's giving the health of Americans is really worth less than a company’s bottom line, and that's a whole problem.
Do Better, USA!
The FDA’s ban on Red Dye #3 is proof that change is possible—but clearly it’s not enough. America still lags far behind other nations in protecting its citizens from harmful additives. It’s time for our government and corporations to take a hard look at the bigger picture. Every harmful dye, additive, and preservative we allow in our food and everyday products contributes to the rising rates of preventable diseases in our country.
We deserve better. Our children deserve better. America must do better.
As consumers, we can take action by:
Reading Labels: Educate yourself about harmful dyes and avoid products that contain them.
Supporting Brands That Care: Choose companies that prioritize natural, safe ingredients.
Raising Awareness: Share information about harmful additives and demand change through petitions and advocacy.
Make Your Own: When we prepare our own meals and even natural body care products, we control what goes in and on our bodies.
The FDA has taken a small-long overdue step in banning Red Dye #3, but it’s up to all of us to keep pushing for a healthier future. Together, we can hold lawmakers and corporations accountable to ensure that products and the food we eat truly nourishes us.
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