Why Should We Pay Attention to US Policies?
Given recent policies under Trump and even suggestions that Canada should become the 51st state, I find myself increasingly frustrated with many aspects of the United States – not necessarily the people, but the policies. However, because of the sheer size and influence of the U.S., and our geographical proximity, what happens spills over and affects us in Canada.
Take for example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr). He’s a polarizing figure and people have mixed feelings about where he stands on various issues. But when it comes to health, I believe it’s worth recognizing progress – even if the broader battle is still far from over.
RFK Jr. is involved with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, and some of their current efforts are worth celebrating. One notable area of focus is the ban on synthetic dyes used in food—many of which have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer. These artificial colourings are largely unnecessary. There are safer, natural alternatives available, though they may be less convenient or more expensive. Nonetheless, they are considerably healthier.
Take Skittles and Froot Loops as examples. In North America—including Canada—these products still use petroleum-based dyes. Yet in Europe, the same brands have already switched to natural colourings due to stricter regulations. Why are we still consuming ingredients that are banned elsewhere?
Here’s an except for a news release by the FDA in April 2025.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply—a significant milestone in the administration’s broader initiative to Make America Healthy Again.
The FDA is taking the following actions:
1. Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
2. Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colourings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.
3. Working with industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—from the food supply by the end of next year.
4. Authorizing four new natural colour additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.
5. Partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact children’s health and development.
6. Requesting food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously required.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated: “For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent. These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development. That era is coming to an end.”
While these timelines are still a ways off, and major food corporations will surely lobby to delay or weaken these efforts, there’s growing momentum. Texas recently joined California, Utah, and West Virginia in passing legislation with compliance required by January 1, 2027. Under this law:
“Violations can result in fines of up to $50,000 per product per day, along with liability for enforcement costs. Manufacturers must either reformulate products, relabel them, or withdraw them from the state’s market.”
Additionally, food products can still be sold under a clear warning label:
“Warning: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.”
To me, the answer is simple: if there is a healthier, proven alternative to synthetic food dyes, we should use it. When it comes to human health – especially that of children – the right choice is clear.
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