RFK Jr. currently serves as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. In this capacity, he wants to ban certain food additives, including dyes, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. What this means for the general public is that many of their favorite snacks and foods could soon change or disappear for good. Let’s take a look at 20 foods that could potentially be affected by JFK Jr.’s proposed policy changes.
McDonald’s
It’s highly unlikely that anyone thinks of McDonald’s as the healthy option. However, many people may not realize just how full of additives and preservatives its products really are. Many of the chemicals that RFK Jr. wants to ban can be found in almost every option on their menu, including the shakes, burgers, and fries.
Candy
Many different types of candy contain artificial flavors which are synthetically created with chemicals that mimic natural flavors. Certain additives, such as Yellow 5 and Red 40 have been scrutinized for their potential health risks, and have been banned in several countries already. Studies have suggested that these additives lead to allergic reactions and even carcinogenic effects in large doses.
Mountain Dew
The original formula for this popular soft drink was invented in 1940 in Tennessee. The formula was then revised in 1958 by Bill Bridgforth. Today, the ingredient makeup of Mountain Dew varies from country to country. At one point, brominated vegetable oil was included in the ingredients. However, it has since been banned throughout Europe and Japan and removed from the ingredients in 2020. Mountain Dew also contains artificial colorants such as yellow 5.
Cheez-Its
Under RFK Jr.’s proposed changes, manufacturers may be forced to alter their list of ingredients, removing artificial colors. This includes Yellow 6, used in products such as Cheez-Its. Studies have revealed a link between behavioral changes in children and the ingestion of additives such as Yellow 6. While this colorant may be responsible for the iconic look of this snack, the manufacturer may have to choose between changing the taste and appearance or facing potential removal from stores.
Ketchup
Many popular ketchup brands use high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a sweetener. This is because it extends shelf life and is quite cheap. However, HFCS has been linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and increased risk of developing diabetes. If stricter regulations are enacted by JFK Jr., companies may be required to swap out certain ingredients and replace them with healthier alternatives.
French Fries
Despite the name, French Fries are as American as country music. There is increasing scrutiny on the synthetic additives used in coatings and frying oils. This could potentially lead to the push for alternative ingredients in products used in French fry production. While some have raised concerns about the use of a silicone-based anti-foaming agent called Dimethylpolysiloxane, The FDA has deemed it safe in small quantities.
Ice Cream
Many chemicals have already been banned from use by the European Food Safety Authority, and it is yet to be seen if America will do the same. For example, some American ice cream products contain Titanium Dioxide, a chemical that was classified as unsafe for consumption by the EFSA in 2021. While direct health effects have yet to be definitely proven, Titanium Dioxide is believed to potentially cause DNA damage and inflammation.
Instant Noodles
Good old instant noodles are the staple for college students and bachelors, but are they any good for you? Many brands of instant noodles contain levels of sodium that exceed the recommended daily intake. They also contain preservatives such as TBHQ, a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent rancidity and oxidation in oils and fats. While the FDA considers it safe for use, some advocacy groups have pushed for more research.
Skittles
At the moment, there are no official new policies that target Skittles or similar candies that contain artificial dyes. However, JFK Jr. has been quite vocal about reducing harmful additives. Therefore, many speculate that he will target products that contain Yellow 5 and Red 40 – both of which are used in Skittles. While still inconclusive, some studies suggest that the use of these dyes has been linked to allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
Lunch Meats
Could new regulations require manufacturers of lunch meats to change their ingredients? Certain chemicals used in lunch meat production, such as nitrites and nitrates have already been banned in other countries. This is because they increase your cancer risk. Would Americans be able to live without their lunch meats as they currently exist?
Lucky Charms
Cereals such as Lucky Charms rely on colorful packaging to appeal to kids, however, it is what’s inside that has some consumers concerned. This is yet another product known to contain many artificial dyes, such as Red Dye 40 and Yellow 5. Other countries have already implemented regulations that require manufacturers to use natural alternatives. Will the US follow suit?
Processed Cheese
Processed cheese contains emulsifiers such as sodium phosphate. There are some studies that suggest that phosphate additives can cause kidney strain and digestive discomfort. While the FDA considers moderate use safe, certain consumer groups have raised their concerns about excessive levels of these emulsifiers in products. Whether RFK Jr. will consider them dangerous enough to require alternatives is yet to be seen.
Red Bull
While JFK Jr. hasn’t specifically mentioned energy drinks, he has stated that he wants to minimize the amount of sugar and additives in food and drinks. So, there is a good chance that energy drinks may be affected by policy changes too due to their caffeine and sugar content. These ingredients have been linked to health issues such as obesity and heart problems.
Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners are very convenient, especially when you have no time to prepare a meal after returning home from work. Some have speculated that RFK Jr. may require companies to be stricter with their labeling, detailing all the potentially harmful ingredients, or replacing them with natural alternatives. TV dinners, for example, contain many coloring agents, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
Farmed Salmon
JFK Jr.’s new policies may require that manufacturers be more transparent with their labeling. Certain products contain synthetic pigments to give them their color. For example, farmed salmon are fed synthetic astaxanthin to obtain the particular pink hue seen in wild salmon. While synthetic astaxanthin may be generally considered safe for consumption, consumers still should know what is in their food.
Flavored Yogurt
Many flavored yogurts contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame potassium. Certain brands also use artificial colors to appeal to children, including Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 5. While inconclusive, some studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners may affect insulin sensitivity and later gut bacteria.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame are widely used in sugar-free meals and beverages. However, studies have demonstrated that they may create digestive issues or alter how our bodies process sugar. Regulation changes may push companies to switch to natural alternatives such as stevia. This could result in healthier products, but if prices rise, consumers may opt for other options.
Microwave Popcorn
Is popcorn even safe from regulation? Many microwave popcorn packages contain PFOA, which has been linked to health issues such as cancer and thyroid disorders. Additionally, the fake butter flavor in microwave popcorn often contains diacetyl, which has been linked to respiratory difficulties among the workers in the factories where they are manufactured.
Frozen Pizza
The processed meats in frozen pizzas often contain sodium nitrite, a preservative linked to potential cardiovascular issues. Changes in regulation could require that these types of preservatives be replaced with healthier alternatives. As with many of these products, though, swapping out current ingredients for healthier options could potentially push up the prices.
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