America faces a growing health crisis linked to poor dietary habits and the widespread use of harmful additives in food. We should improve public health by banning artificial food dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), harmful seed oils (e.g., soybean, corn, and canola oils), and other potentially dangerous food additives that are currently allowed in the United States but banned or heavily regulated in the European Union. Studies have shown that many food additives approved in the United States are linked to various health issues, including:
-Hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children associated with artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5.
-Chronic inflammation and heart disease linked to the consumption of highly processed seed oils high in omega-6 fatty acids.
-Increased cancer risk from additives like potassium bromate and partially hydrogenated oils, which are banned in the EU but still permitted in the U.S.
Other additives that should be banned or highly regulated are:
Potassium bromate (used in bread products) and azodicarbonamide (a dough conditioner), which are known to be carcinogenic
Titanium dioxide, a whitening agent banned in the EU due to potential genotoxic effects.
Along with this we should create a government backed certification that is labeled on products showing that these ingredients are excluded from the product. On top of this we should mandate and improve transparency regarding our foods and the ingredients we are consuming
By adopting stricter food safety standards and eliminating harmful additives, we can take significant steps toward making America healthier. This policy proposal aims to create a food environment that prioritizes the well-being of citizens, aligning with global best practices. Together, we can make America a leader in food safety and public health.