If It’s Banned in Other Countries, Why Are We Feeding It to Our Kids?

By Dr. Stacie Stephenson

There are some things I still can’t wrap my head around. One of them is this:
Red Dye 40 is banned in several countries… but not in the U.S.
And yet, it’s in your child’s snacks, cereals, drinks, vitamins—even toothpaste.

I used to think food regulations meant something. That if it was on a store shelf, it was safe. I don’t believe that anymore.
Because I’ve seen the effects. And I’ve done the research.

We’ve Been Sold Convenience at the Expense of Our Kids’ Health

Red Dye 40 is petroleum-based, linked to hyperactivity, mood disorders, headaches, and even immune system disruption. Europe banned it. The U.K. requires warning labels. But here? We market it to toddlers.
It’s in fruit snacks with cartoon characters, bubble gum-flavored medicine, “kid-friendly” yogurts, rainbow cereals, and sports drinks we hand out after soccer practice.
And here’s the worst part:
Most parents don’t even know.

Because the packaging is bright and fun.
Because no one hands you a manual on food dyes when you have a baby. Because we’re all just doing the best we can in a system that makes it really hard to choose better.

The Wake-Up Call I Wish I Had Sooner

When I finally started reading labels, I was shocked.
The foods I thought were healthy? Loaded with additives.
The snacks labeled “natural”? Still full of artificial dyes.
Even children’s vitamins—the ones marketed as supporting growth and development—contained Red Dye 40.

I couldn’t believe it. And I couldn’t ignore it.

Because I’m a mother.
Because I’m a doctor.
Because once you know better—you have to do better.

What You Can Do (That Actually Makes a Difference)

I’m not here to shame you. I’m here to wake you up.

Because this isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being informed.
It’s about knowing what to look for, what to avoid, and how to swap the junk for something better.

Start here:
● Flip over every label. Look for “Red 40,” “Yellow 5,” and “Blue 1.”
● Switch to dye-free medications and vitamins.
● Choose snacks with fewer than five ingredients—or make your own when you can. ● Say no to the “rainbow” marketing. Ask: Would I give this to myself?

The Bigger Picture

Food dyes are just the beginning. They’re a symptom of a broken system that profits off our ignorance. But we don’t have to stay in the dark.
We have more power than we think—especially when we share what we’ve learned with other parents.
So no, I won’t stay silent about Red Dye 40. And if this blog made you uncomfortable… good.

That discomfort is a signal.
It means something is waking up inside of you.

Now let’s protect our kids—with knowledge, with better choices, and with the courage to question what’s been handed to us.