Daily Archives: April 9, 2025

Why Are These Ingredients Still in Our Food? Are U.S. Food Companies Cutting Corners at the Expense of Your Health?

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Introduction

Imagine walking into a grocery store in the United States and picking up a box of cereal that contains artificial dyes, synthetic preservatives, and mystery ingredients listed as “natural flavors.” Now imagine that same product being sold in Europe—only it’s made with natural coloring, fewer additives, and cleaner labels. Why are American versions of food products packed with ingredients that are banned or strictly regulated in other countries?

The answer lies in a tangled web of corporate influence, weak regulations, industry loopholes, and political payoffs. This blog uncovers how we got here, who’s behind it, and what you can do about it.

A Look Back: The Origins of Kellogg’s

Founded in 1906 by Will Keith Kellogg, the Kellogg Company was born out of a wellness movement. Kellogg and his brother, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, were Seventh-Day Adventists and wellness advocates. The original intent was to promote digestive health through a bland, plant-based diet. Their invention of cornflakes was meant to be a healthy, fiber-rich solution for America’s processed diet.

Over the years, however, the company shifted from health advocacy to profit-driven processed foods. Today, Kellogg’s—now part of Kellanova as of 2023 after a corporate split—is frequently criticized for including controversial food dyes and additives in its U.S. products that are notably absent in its European versions.

Why Are These Ingredients Still in Our Food?

The short answer: profit and protection.

Many food additives in the U.S. are allowed under a controversial rule created by the FDA called GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). But here’s the kicker—companies can self-certify ingredients as safe without notifying the FDA. This GRAS loophole essentially hands the keys to food safety over to corporations.

Examples of GRAS Loopholes:

  • Companies hire their own scientists to evaluate new chemicals.
  • No government testing is required.
  • No FDA approval process is necessary if companies claim the chemical is “generally recognized as safe.”

Reference:

Who’s Protected—and Who Isn’t?

In 1958, the Food Additives Amendment was passed, giving the FDA power to regulate new food chemicals. But that same law introduced the GRAS exemption, which the food industry quickly learned how to exploit.

In 1997, the FDA formalized the voluntary GRAS notification process, making it even easier for companies to skip regulatory review. Today, over 1,000 chemicals have entered the U.S. food supply without proper FDA oversight.

Meanwhile, food lobbyists and powerful corporate players have secured legal protections that shield them from consumer lawsuits. In some states, like California, Prop 65 labeling requirements can be bypassed with lobbying, legal challenges, or reformulations just for that state.

Lawmakers & Lobbyists: Who’s Cashing In?

Numerous politicians have received donations or held board positions related to major food manufacturers:

  • Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS): Introduced the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (dubbed the “Deny Americans the Right to Know Act”), which aimed to prevent states from requiring GMO labeling. He received thousands in donations from Monsanto and Kellogg PAC.
  • Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb: Previously served on the board of several pharmaceutical companies and maintained close ties with food industry lobbyists.
  • Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS): Sponsored the national GMO labeling bill in 2016, which effectively overrode Vermont’s stricter GMO law. Roberts received extensive support from agribusinesses and food corporations.

Reference:

How Food Dyes May Be Affecting Kids

Artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are found in cereals, candies, and drinks across the U.S. These dyes are linked to behavioral issues, especially in children with ADHD.

In 2021, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) released a study linking synthetic food dyes to hyperactivity in children.

European regulators require products with these dyes to carry warning labels. In response, many companies have reformulated their products abroad to avoid using them entirely. But in the U.S.? The dyes remain.

Reference:

The Labeling Gaps That Keep You in the Dark

Many harmful ingredients are hidden under generic terms like:

  • “Artificial flavors”
  • “Natural flavors”
  • “Color added”

The lack of transparency prevents consumers from understanding what they’re really consuming. This labeling gap is intentional. It gives companies wiggle room to use additives that might otherwise trigger alarm or lawsuits.

Additionally, front-of-package marketing often uses phrases like “Made with Whole Grains” or “No High Fructose Corn Syrup” to distract from the presence of artificial colors, preservatives, and emulsifiers.

How to Push Back: Why I Still Believe in Activism

You might think it’s impossible to fight billion-dollar food companies, but that’s not true.

Change starts with three key actions:

  1. Buy clean: Choose organic, dye-free, preservative-free alternatives when possible.
  2. Use your voice: Write to your lawmakers, sign petitions, and join clean food advocacy groups like Food Babe and Center for Food Safety.
  3. Educate others: Share information. Influence is contagious.

When people boycotted high-fructose corn syrup, companies took notice. When parents demanded cleaner options in schools, some districts began to switch vendors. When Food Babe and Moms Across America led campaigns, companies reformulated products to meet demand.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, American food companies can do better. They already have—for other countries. So why not here? Because too many politicians are on the payroll, and too many agencies are looking the other way.

But I, Audrey Childers, believe we still have power. Your health is your birthright. Don’t let corporations steal it with toxic shortcuts. Read the labels. Ask the hard questions. Vote with your dollars. And never stop demanding better for yourself, your children, and your community.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, or nutritional advice. Please consult with a qualified professional before making dietary or health changes. The author, Audrey Childers, is an independent researcher and writer. All statements are based on publicly available data, referenced studies, and personal opinion.