On Dec. 31, 2027, the California School Food Safety Law (CSFS) will go into effect. This law enforces a ban on using popular food dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 from any food or beverages served at public schools.
The reason for banning these dyes is their potential connection to hypersensitivity and behavioral problems in children. They also contain additives that can lead to the development of cancer.
Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 all contain benzidine. This is a manufactured chemical that is used to make dyes for cloth, paper and leather, as well as used as a rubber-compounding agent and in the creation of plastic films. It is not used in medical laboratories, or in the rubber and plastic industries, as it increases the risk of bladder cancer.
The reason why these dyes are still used in food despite this information is because it only raised the cancer risk to “just under the ‘concern’ threshold.” The statistic provided by the National Library of Medicine defines this specific concern as one cancer in one million people. While that truly is a large statistic, it is odd how passively we are accepting it either way. I thought the goal was to cure cancer, not allow it in some circumstances if it means our keeping Froot Loops.
It hurts my mind and soul that the American food industry is riddled with questionable ingredients and processes. It is not that we don’t have an alternative to these artificial dyes — such as beet and carrot juice — but that we simply don’t want to spend as much on natural sources.
Because natural dyes come from produce, the colors are not as vibrant as the artificial colors. This means that more natural product is needed to produce a small amount of dye while the artificial dyes have over 90% pigment. While cutting costs seems to be the name of the game in America, I think there are certain things that shouldn’t be shortlisted.
This is not as big of an issue in other countries, as they have already transitioned to natural dyes and cutting out chemical additives. America’s version of Fruit Loops cereal looks like it could glow in a blacklight room compared to Canada’s version.
In America’s ingredients list, one can find Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1. Meanwhile, Canada’s much longer list consists of carrot juice, blueberry juice, watermelon juice, huito juice, turmeric and annatto, all for color. It’s a shock Toucan Sam is still with us.
The issue extends even further than food dyes. American foods also have harmful preservatives, some of which led to other countries banning said foods.
American bread, compared to European bread, contains potassium bromate, an additive that helps bread rise. However, it also increases the risk of respiratory issues. Coffee Mate, Ritz Crackers and Pillsbury Biscuits are banned for trans fats, also known to raise the risk of heart disease, in other countries.
I admire California for taking this initiative and considering the dangers of artificial ingredients. It should not be the normal standard to consume chemicals, but it seems that’s how it is in America. One can only hope policies such as CSFS will spread around the country and we can finally catch up with the world.
pbortner@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Kaboompics.com, Pexels
