My latest column as the Houston Holistic Health Examiner addresses the growing concern over Kraft Foods Inc.'s use of artificial colors in their U.S. products, despite removing them in places like Europe and Australia.
Consumers in these regions expressed outrage after studies revealed the harmful health effects of artificial colors. This isn’t a new issue. In a paper I previously wrote on artificial colors, I referenced a study from 1968 by Dr. Benjamin Feingold, which detailed how food additives can trigger allergic reactions in children.
Unfortunately, Dr. Feingold’s research wasn’t enough to convince food manufacturers at the time. Now, 40 years later, Kraft has finally started removing these chemicals—but only in certain countries. The U.S., along with many developing nations, is still waiting. It's hard not to assume that this decision is motivated by profit, showing a concerning disregard for the health of their consumers.
Taking Action
MomsRising.org is an organization dedicated to promoting a healthy, family-friendly America. They are currently campaigning to pressure Kraft into removing artificial additives from U.S. products. You can support this effort by signing their petition or writing a letter to Kraft yourself.
Below is my letter to Ms. Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft Foods:
"As a Nutrition Educator and the mother of two children who are sensitive to food coloring I am pleased to see that you have removed the artificial colorants and aspartame from your products sold in other countries. I feel that this was a responsible decision made in reaction to the demands of your consumers which highlights that KraftFoods has the ability to effect change in partnership with the requests of it's consumers. I am stunned, however, by your decision to continue to use these very chemical additives in the U.S. version of the same products.
There are a number of studies which underscore the health risks posed by synthetic additives, especially when it comes to the developing bodies of young children, a prime market for many of your products. Given the overwhelming reach of your company into the pantries across this country and around the world I would think that a response to such consumer requests should have prompted a revision in your manufacturing processes across the global market instead of merely in a few countries.
There is no need whatsoever for these ingredients, and indeed they are harmful to your consumers. I urge you and your company to be a responsible member of the global community, to care about the health of those who buy your products and make the same change that you did in Europe, Australia and other countries by removing artificial colorants, aspartame and other unhealthful chemical additives to the foodstuffs that you sell, not only in the United States, but around the world.
