16 Food Additives That Could Be Banned Under RFK Jr.'s Health Initiatives

The Food Safety Dilemma

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, is advocating for stricter regulations on food additives. In his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, he has pledged to “ban the hundreds of food additives and chemicals that other countries have already prohibited” and to “change regulations, research topics, and subsidies to reduce the dominance of ultra-processed food.” His push for enhanced oversight is poised to double the number of food additives scrutinized annually by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, President Donald Trump, who campaigned on reducing grocery prices, has acknowledged the challenges in achieving this goal, stating, “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up.” This raises the question: Can food safety and affordability coexist?

Kennedy's concerns are widely shared, as indicated by a recent Gallup poll in which 28% of respondents expressed little confidence in the government’s ability to keep the food supply safe, while 14% had no confidence at all. The White House / Wikimedia

The Cost Factor

"Our food system as currently constituted is not designed to maximize health," said Dr. James Krieger, executive director of Healthy Food America, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A key focus of Kennedy’s reform agenda is closing a loophole that allows companies to designate new food additives as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) without FDA oversight. This system was originally intended for familiar ingredients like salt and baking powder but now includes over 1,000 compounds.

In this article, we examine 16 food additives that are currently under scrutiny and could face stricter regulations—or even outright bans—under Kennedy’s health initiatives. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate is a flour improver used to enhance dough strength and elasticity, resulting in higher-rising bread. However, some studies have linked it to cancer in laboratory animals, leading to bans in the European Union, Canada, and other countries. Despite these findings, it remains legal in the United States, though some states have proposed legislation to prohibit its use. svetlanabar / Pixabay

Artificial Food Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)

Artificial food dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are commonly used to enhance the appearance of processed foods and beverages. Some studies have linked these dyes to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions. While the FDA maintains that these color additives are safe for use within specified limits, ongoing research and regulatory reviews continue to evaluate their potential health effects. Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels

Titanium Dioxide

This additive is commonly used to whiten and brighten products like candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. Recent studies have raised concerns about its potential to cause DNA damage and its classification as a possible human carcinogen. These findings have led to bans in the European Union, though it remains approved for use in the U.S. Ben Mills / Wikimedia

Sodium Nitrate

Sodium nitrate is used in cured meats like bacon and hot dogs to preserve color and prevent bacterial growth. However, it can form nitrosamines, compounds associated with an increased risk of cancer. While some countries have banned its use, it remains approved in the U.S., though consumer advocacy groups continue to push for stricter regulations. Alejandro Aznar / Pexels

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

BHA is an antioxidant preservative used to prevent fats and oils in foods from becoming rancid. It has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by certain health authorities, leading to bans in some countries. However, it remains approved for use in the U.S., though ongoing studies may influence future evaluations. Darkness3560 / Wikimedia

Azodicarbonamide

Azodicarbonamide is used as a flour bleaching agent and dough conditioner in baked goods. However, it has been linked to respiratory issues and allergies, leading to its ban in Europe and Australia. In the U.S., it remains legal, though some companies have voluntarily removed it from their products. Intuitivmedia / Pixabay

Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)

Yellow No. 5 is a synthetic dye that provides a lemon-yellow hue to various food items, including candies and beverages. Some studies have linked it to hyperactivity in children and other health issues, leading to its ban or restriction in several countries. In the U.S., it remains approved for use, though some consumer advocacy groups are calling for reevaluation. Lukáš Mižoch / Wikimedia

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is a flavor enhancer prevalent in various processed foods, soups, and restaurant dishes. While the FDA considers MSG safe for consumption, some individuals report adverse reactions. However, scientific studies have not consistently demonstrated a clear link between MSG consumption and these symptoms. Despite its widespread use, ongoing debates about its potential effects on health persist. Ragesoss / Wikimedia

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, commonly used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in dairy products and plant-based milk alternatives. Some studies have suggested that carrageenan may trigger inflammation, gastrointestinal ulcers, and other digestive issues in animal models, raising concerns about its safety for human consumption. However, regulatory agencies, including the FDA, have deemed food-grade carrageenan safe, though debates continue regarding its potential health implications. StinaTano / Wikimedia

Propylparaben

Propylparaben is a preservative used to prevent mold and yeast growth in foods such as tortillas and muffins. Concerns have been raised about its potential to disrupt endocrine function and its classification as a possible carcinogen. Despite these concerns, it remains approved for use in the U.S. Alexas_Fotos / Pixabay

Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a preservative commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi in acidic foods and beverages like sodas, salad dressings, and fruit juices. While generally recognized as safe, concerns arise when sodium benzoate is combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), as this combination can form benzene, a known carcinogen. Although the levels of benzene found in beverages are typically low, the potential for formation has led to ongoing evaluations and calls for caution. Jü / Wikimedia

Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrite is commonly used in processed meats to preserve color and prevent bacterial growth. However, it can form nitrosamines, compounds linked to an increased risk of cancer. While some countries have banned its use, it remains approved in the U.S., though consumer advocacy groups continue to push for stricter regulations. Bru-nO / Pixabay

Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame)

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used in various sugar-free and "diet" products, including soft drinks and chewing gum. Some studies have raised concerns about its potential link to cancer and neurological effects, leading to debates about its safety. While the FDA and other health authorities have deemed aspartame safe for general use within established daily intake levels, ongoing research and differing interpretations of data continue to fuel discussions about its long-term health effects. congerdesign / Pixabay

Emulsifiers (Carboxymethylcellulose and Polysorbate 80)

Emulsifiers like carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80 are added to processed foods to improve texture and extend shelf life. Recent research suggests that these additives may disrupt the gut microbiome. While these findings are primarily based on animal studies, they have sparked discussions about the potential implications for human health and the need for further investigation. Radiotrefoil / Wikimedia

Propyl Gallate

Propyl gallate is an antioxidant preservative used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling in products like microwaveable popcorn, meat products, and chewing gum. Some animal studies have suggested a potential link between propyl gallate and cancer development, leading to concerns about its safety. However, regulatory agencies, including the FDA, currently permit its use within specified limits, though ongoing research continues to assess its potential health effects. Jynto / Wikimedia

Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride is a solvent used in the production of decaffeinated coffee and tea, as well as certain spices. Methylene chloride has been banned in several countries. In the U.S., its use in food processing is permitted within specific limits, though ongoing evaluations continue to assess its safety. PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

Balancing Food Safety Oversight and Costs

Ensuring more rigorous scrutiny of food additives comes with financial implications. The FDA’s budget for food regulation in fiscal year 2024 was $1.2 billion—significantly less than the $3.7 billion allocated for drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Given that Congress is unlikely to increase funding, experts suggest adopting a user-fee model, wherein food manufacturers pay for FDA reviews of new additives. However, Kennedy has criticized user fees, arguing they give large corporations an advantage over smaller startups.

"Food safety is in everyone’s best interest, including the manufacturers," said Michael T. Roberts, executive director of the Resnick Center for Food Law and Policy at UCLA Law, the Los Angeles Times reported. "There’s only one thing that cuts against a full investment in food safety, and that is the cost." forcal35 / Pixabay

RFK Jr.’s Food Safety Push: Balancing Health, Regulation, and Industry Concerns

As the debate over food safety and affordability continues, RFK Jr.'s proposed initiatives represent one perspective in what could become a significant shift in food regulation. While removing certain additives from the food supply may present financial and logistical challenges, proponents, including RFK Jr., suggest there could be long-term public health benefits. Critics question the scientific basis for some of these concerns and worry about impacts on food costs and accessibility. Consumers, policymakers, and food manufacturers will need to carefully consider multiple perspectives when evaluating such regulatory proposals.

Whether these additives ultimately face bans or tighter restrictions, one thing is clear: the conversation around food safety in America is far from over. The White House / Wikimedia