A prominent American fitness influencer has called for sweeping reforms in the regulation of food and pharmaceutical products, urging policymakers to broaden their focus beyond artificial food dyes. At a recent summit, this celebrity trainer and media personality expressed her support for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, advocating not only for bans on synthetic additives like Red 40 but for a far wider overhaul of what is allowed in the nation’s food supply. Her remarks have renewed debate about the safety of food ingredients, the influence of powerful industry lobbies, and the steps individuals and governments can take to protect public health.
This story matters to Thai readers as artificial food dyes and other processed ingredients are commonly used in snacks, drinks, and various products available in Thailand’s supermarkets and schools. With the Thai food industry increasingly mirroring trends in the West, questions arise about whether Thailand should also reconsider its stance on food additives, especially as health consciousness grows and chronic illnesses linked to diet continue to be of national concern (nypost.com).
Recently in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red 3 (erythrosine) from foods, dietary supplements, and ingested medicines due to links with cancer. Food manufacturers must remove the dye from their products by 2027, with drug makers following in 2028. Red 3 is a synthetic coloring originally produced from coal tar and now mainly derived from petroleum—a point highlighted by the American Chemical Society (acs.org). The fitness advocate criticized the slow pace of reform and argued that the ban should extend to a broader list of additives, not just Red 40 or other food dyes. “Honestly, I would like to see a hell of a lot more banned from our food supply than just red number 40,” she remarked, underscoring deep concerns about common but potentially harmful ingredients.
The speaker also challenged industry resistance to reform, stating the MAHA movement faces significant opposition from “four of the biggest lobbies in the country: Big Ag, Big Food, Big Pharma, Big Insurance.” These industries have historically lobbied to keep regulatory standards favorable to their business interests—a situation not unique to the US, as powerful food and agri-business lobbies also influence policy in Thailand and ASEAN.
Addressing alternative health strategies, the fitness expert encouraged the integration of new therapeutic approaches, including psychedelic-assisted treatments for conditions like addiction and PTSD, especially among veterans. While controversial in some policy circles, recent research from leading psychiatric journals supports the efficacy of supervised psychedelic therapy (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), although most countries, including Thailand, regulate psychedelic substances strictly.
Importantly, the advocate encouraged individuals not to wait for slow-moving regulatory changes. “You’re certainly not going to get it all overnight, but what we need to appreciate is the small wins along the way.” She emphasized citizen empowerment, suggesting that people take agency over their own health through informed choices and personal accountability when government action is delayed: “At the end of the day, what we’re not going to get from the government, you can create in your own life by taking agency.”
The FDA’s action on Red 3 follows decades of consumer advocacy in the West, as synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 have long been controversial, linked in numerous studies to behavioral disorders in children and other adverse effects (PubMed). In Thailand, food authorities have historically permitted regulated amounts of certain synthetic food dyes, although public health campaigns frequently warn about excessive consumption, especially among schoolchildren. Local research teams at universities in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have echoed global concerns, noting correlations between high intake of processed foods, including artificially colored snacks, and rising rates of obesity and diabetes among Thai youth (ThaiHealth.or.th).
The cultural context is especially relevant in a country like Thailand, where colorful foods—from sweets to beverages—are a mainstay of festivals, religious ceremonies, and daily life. Many popular desserts and drinks, both traditional and imported, rely on vibrant hues to attract consumers. In Bangkok’s street markets, vendors often use both natural and synthetic colorings to entice customers. However, with food safety and quality awareness on the rise, younger, urban Thais increasingly seek natural products and scrutinize ingredient lists—a movement fueled by both social media and global news coverage.
Looking ahead, Thai food regulators face mounting pressure to align local standards with international best practices. As more countries introduce bans or limits on synthetic dyes and other controversial additives, Thailand could face both domestic advocacy and international trade pressure to raise its standards. Large food and beverage companies operating in ASEAN may pre-emptively adopt global recipes that exclude certain additives, while major supermarket chains might increase the supply of natural or minimally processed alternatives.
For Thai consumers and policymakers alike, the call is clear: strengthen food education, support local research into the health effects of common additives, and adopt the precautionary principle in food regulation. Parents are encouraged to check labels, limit children’s intake of brightly colored processed foods, and support school lunch programs emphasizing fresh, minimally processed ingredients. Anyone concerned about health impacts from food additives should consult with physicians or registered dietitians associated with public hospitals or leading universities such as Mahidol or Chulalongkorn, who can provide science-based guidance and up-to-date research.
As the fitness expert noted, change may be incremental, but collective action—combining personal responsibility, government regulation, and industry reform—can gradually lead to a healthier Thailand. To stay informed, readers should follow updates from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and reliable sources such as the World Health Organization and respected local health NGOs.