According to a report by Cara Michelle Miller via The Epoch Times, food activist Vani Hari stated at a Senate roundtable discussion that people can find healthier options at McDonald’s in Europe. In the United States, McDonald’s fries contain 11 ingredients, while the UK version has only three, with salt being optional. This difference was highlighted during Hari’s testimony at the Sen. Ron Johnson roundtable, where she pointed out that many U.S. foods contain unsafe chemicals banned in other Western countries.
The lack of regulations in the U.S. allows companies to self-regulate and designate ingredients as safe without notifying the FDA or the public. In contrast, Europe takes a precautionary approach to food safety, while the U.S. relies on the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) principle, allowing some ingredients to enter the market without thorough testing.
One example of this disparity is the use of azodicarbonamide, a chemical linked to cancer in animal studies and banned in several countries, which is legal in the U.S. due to the GRAS principle. Companies can self-designate substances as GRAS, with limited oversight from the FDA.
Another concern raised at the Senate roundtable was the significant increase in artificial food dye consumption, particularly among American children. These dyes have been linked to various health issues, including hyperactivity and allergic reactions. Despite this, many products marketed to children contain these dyes.
Hari and other experts call for stricter regulations and greater transparency in ingredient lists to protect consumers, especially children. They propose policy recommendations to require companies to notify the FDA of how they determine that a substance is GRAS and to share safety data before adding substances to foods. Increased funding from Congress is also needed to enhance the FDA’s reach in ensuring food safety.
The FDA is set to launch a new Human Foods Program to reorganize its operations and improve safety evaluations of food additives and GRAS substances. This program will assess factors such as potential toxicity, changes in exposure levels, and presence in foods consumed by vulnerable populations. Additionally, the FDA will consider state-level regulations on certain food products, indicating that state-level actions could influence the FDA’s future assessments. California’s recent move to restrict certain food dyes could have a significant impact on future regulations regarding food additives. Pomeranz emphasizes the need for a more thorough review process not only for existing ingredients but also for any new additives that may be introduced. Additionally, consumer involvement is crucial in advocating for safer food options. For example, when Hari discovered potentially harmful ingredients in Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes, public outcry led to the removal of a cancer-linked ingredient. Hari stresses the importance of consumers demanding healthier choices and urges the FDA to prioritize public health. Ultimately, public pressure can drive positive changes in the food industry.