The article discusses the prevalence and health risks of ultraprocessed foods, which make up a significant portion of the American diet, highlighting the challenges in defining and regulating them, and offering tips for consumers to make healthier choices amidst industry and regulatory complexities.
The article discusses the prevalence and dangers of ultraprocessed foods, which make up a significant portion of the American diet, highlighting their synthetic ingredients, health risks, and the challenges in avoiding them, while also exploring regulatory efforts and practical tips for consumers to make healthier choices.
Walmart announced it will remove synthetic dyes and 30 other food additives from its private-label products by 2027, responding to consumer demand for simpler ingredients and increased regulatory scrutiny, affecting around 1,000 products including snacks, baked goods, and dressings.
Walmart announced plans to remove synthetic food dyes and 30 other additives from its store brands in the U.S. by January 2027, responding to consumer demand and regulatory scrutiny, affecting about 1,000 products including snacks, baked goods, and beverages.
The article highlights frozen foods to avoid due to high levels of sodium, sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, recommending instead to choose simpler, homemade options for better health.
A recent report highlights that many Americans consume a high amount of ultra-processed foods containing chemical additives like preservatives and sugar substitutes, which are linked to increased health risks such as obesity, chronic diseases, and fertility issues. The article discusses five food additives to watch out for and how to avoid them.
The article discusses concerns over the high consumption of ultra-processed foods and artificial additives in the US, highlighting health risks, differences with European food standards, and the need for policy changes to promote healthier eating habits, especially around July Fourth celebrations.
Texas has enacted a groundbreaking law requiring warning labels on foods containing certain artificial dyes and additives, which could influence national food labeling policies and industry practices, amid broader efforts to improve public health and address chronic diseases.
Many brown or wholegrain breads may be misleadingly colored or contain additives that diminish their health benefits. Genuine whole grains and traditional fermentation methods like true sourdough offer more nutritional value, especially for gut health, but labels can be deceptive. Reading ingredient lists carefully is essential to choose healthier bread options.
Mars has stopped using titanium dioxide in its US Skittles, following consumer criticism and health concerns, aligning with its broader move away from artificial colors, although the company did not specify if this change affects Skittles outside the US.
Experts are raising concerns about the high number of chemicals in American food, many of which are linked to health issues like cancer and behavioral problems. Unlike the US, European countries have stricter regulations, banning several harmful additives. American products often contain more additives than their European counterparts, with ingredients like Red 40 and potassium bromate being common in the US but banned in Europe. The FDA's GRAS system allows companies to self-report ingredient safety, leading to less regulatory oversight. Health advocates are pushing for stricter regulations to protect consumers.
Following California's ban on four harmful food chemicals, multiple states are considering similar prohibitions on certain food additives linked to health risks, including cancer. The banned substances include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. States like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri are looking to enact laws to prohibit these additives in food products. The FDA has also proposed revoking the regulation authorizing the use of brominated vegetable oil in food due to adverse health effects. Various food and beverage products containing these additives could be affected, and some companies have committed to removing these substances from their products.
The Illinois Senate has passed a bill, SB 2637, that aims to ban specific additives and chemicals in food products, including titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3. The bill also calls for studies on the potential health risks of BHA and BHT. Manufacturers and distributors would need to adopt safer alternatives and update their recipes by Jan. 1, 2028, with penalties for non-compliance violations. The Illinois Manufacturers Association opposes the bill, while some food manufacturers and associations criticize it, citing concerns about creating inconsistent requirements and eroding consumer confidence.
Several states have proposed or passed laws to ban certain food chemicals found in popular snacks and candies due to their link to harmful health effects, including cancer. While some support the legislation, critics argue that there is a lack of scientific basis behind the claims and that these laws undermine the authority of the FDA. The food and color additives in question include brominated vegetable oil, red dye 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, and butylated hydroxyanisole. The FDA has proposed banning brominated vegetable oil and is actively reviewing red dye 3, while emphasizing that the amount of the chemical in the food is a key factor in determining safety.
Bills advancing in multiple states could see thousands of popular candies, snacks, and sodas banned due to the presence of 13 additives linked to health risks, already banned in some European countries. California's historic 'Skittles Ban' has triggered similar measures in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Missouri, targeting additives linked to cancer, fertility issues, and hyperactivity in children. While some argue for the bans due to health concerns, opposition claims there is no strong evidence linking the additives to adverse effects. If passed, companies will need to change their recipes by January 2027 or face legal action.