As Catholics, we are called to protect the dignity of every human person, especially the most vulnerable among us—our children. One of the emerging public health concerns in the United States today is the presence of artificial food dyes and chemical additives in everyday foods. Across the country, bipartisan efforts are taking shape to ban these harmful substances, prioritizing the health and well-being of families.
A growing number of states, including traditionally conservative Oklahoma and liberal-leaning New York, are taking action against synthetic dyes found in candies, snacks, and beverages. “At least a dozen US states…are rushing to pass laws outlawing commonly used dyes and other chemical additives in foods, citing a need to protect public health,” according to The Guardian.
A Movement to Safeguard Families
The most comprehensive legislation to date comes from West Virginia, where a proposed law would prohibit the sale of products containing certain yellow, blue, green, and red dyes that have been linked to health concerns, particularly in children. The measure has passed both legislative chambers and is expected to be signed by the governor.
The concern is not new. For years, public health advocates have warned of the dangers associated with these additives. Studies suggest a link between food dyes and neurobehavioral issues in children, as well as possible cancer risks in animal research. “There is a lot of support for these measures now for a few reasons. The most obvious one is the Maha movement,” said Laura Wakim Chapman, chair of the West Virginia Senate Health and Human Resources Committee. The “Make America Healthy Again” (Maha) movement, spearheaded by newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is bringing fresh momentum to these efforts. Kennedy has long voiced concerns over chemical additives in food and has promised to “scrutinize the chemical additives in our food supply.” (The Guardian)
Industry Pushback
Not surprisingly, the food industry is resisting these bans. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) argues that prohibiting synthetic dyes will increase food prices and create accessibility issues. “These measures will make food significantly more expensive for, and significantly less accessible to, people in the states that pass them,” the NCA stated. The group also contends that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rather than state governments, should be responsible for regulating food additives. “Decision-making should be left to FDA,” they said (The Guardian).
However, many lawmakers and advocates believe that FDA inaction has left states with no choice but to act. In January, the FDA banned Red 3 Dye but did so reluctantly, stating that while they were legally obligated to remove it, they did not believe it posed a significant risk to public health. “I think many see FDA’s belated ban on Red 3 as further evidence that FDA is not very effective at safeguarding the food supply,” said Lisa Lefferts, an environmental health consultant and former FDA advisory board member (The Guardian).
Catholic Social Teaching and the Call to Action
As Catholics, we are called to promote the common good, particularly when it comes to protecting the health of children. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God” (CCC 2288). Ensuring that the food we provide for our families is free of harmful substances aligns with our moral duty to care for both our bodies and our communities.
States like Virginia and California have already taken decisive steps, banning food dyes from public schools and prohibiting the sale of certain chemical additives. New York and Oklahoma are considering similar laws, recognizing that “consumers are demanding better food choices and questioning why other countries restrict harmful dyes while America continues to allow them” (The Guardian).
The movement to eliminate these chemicals from our food supply is not just a political issue—it is a moral one. As more lawmakers recognize the risks posed by artificial dyes, Catholic families should stand in support of these efforts, advocating for transparency in food production and prioritizing the health of future generations. By choosing wholesome, natural foods and demanding better regulations, we fulfill our role as stewards of God’s creation and defenders of human dignity.
Sources: The Guardian, “US states push to ban common food dyes and additives in health protection efforts,” March 2025.
