A prominent American fitness influencer has urged policymakers to widen regulation beyond artificial food dyes. Speaking at a recent summit, the trainer aligned with a health-focused movement advocating broad changes to what is permitted in the U.S. food supply. Her remarks rekindle debates over ingredient safety, industry influence, and how governments and individuals can safeguard public health.
The topic resonates in Thailand, where processed foods, snacks, and beverages often rely on artificial colorings. As Thailand’s food sector follows Western trends, questions arise about whether the country should reassess its approach to additives, especially as health awareness rises and diet-related diseases become more common. International research indicates that attention to food ingredient safety is a shared concern across borders, including Southeast Asia.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned Red 3 (erythrosine) from foods, dietary supplements, and medicines due to cancer risk concerns. Manufacturers must remove the dye by 2027, with drug makers following in 2028. Red 3 has a long history as a synthetic color derived from petroleum. Industry scientists caution that reform should consider a broader set of additives beyond Red 40 and similar dyes. The advocacy movement argues for faster, wider action to improve the safety of everyday foods.
The push also faces resistance from major industry groups spanning agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and insurance, which historically advocate for favorable regulatory conditions. This dynamic is not limited to the United States; powerful food and agricultural interests shape policy in Thailand and across the ASEAN region.
Beyond regulation, the speaker promotes exploring new health strategies, including supervised psychedelic-assisted therapies for conditions such as addiction and PTSD, particularly among veterans. While these approaches spark debate, recent peer‑reviewed studies in psychiatric journals show potential benefits under professional supervision, though many countries, including Thailand, continue to regulate these substances strictly.
Importantly, the advocate urges individuals not to wait for government change. Small, steady wins matter, she says, emphasizing personal responsibility and informed choices when policy lags. “What we don’t win from the government, we can build in our own lives through agency and accountability,” she stated.
The FDA’s move on Red 3 follows decades of consumer advocacy over synthetic dyes, which have raised concerns about behavior and health in children. In Thailand, regulators permit certain synthetic dyes within controlled limits, but health campaigns warn against excessive consumption, especially for schoolchildren. Local researchers in Bangkok and Chiang Mai link high consumption of processed foods with rising obesity and diabetes among Thai youth, underscoring the need for continued scrutiny of additives.
Colorful foods play a significant cultural role in Thailand, from festival desserts to everyday beverages. In Bangkok’s markets, vendors use a mix of natural and synthetic colorings to attract buyers. As awareness grows, younger urban Thais are increasingly choosing natural options and scrutinizing ingredient lists, a trend reinforced by social media and international coverage.
Looking ahead, Thai regulators and industry stakeholders face pressures to align with international best practices. With global trends moving toward stricter use of synthetic additives, Thailand may see domestic advocacy and trade considerations pushing for higher standards. ASEAN brands and regional retailers might proactively adopt cleaner formulations, expanding natural or minimally processed products.
For consumers and policymakers, the takeaway is clear: strengthen food education, bolster local research into additive health effects, and apply precautionary principles in regulation. Parents should read product labels, limit children’s intake of brightly colored snacks, and support school meals that emphasize fresh, minimally processed ingredients. For personalized guidance, seek input from physicians or dietitians at public hospitals or leading universities.
Change may be gradual, but coordinated action among individuals, regulators, and industry can advance healthier choices for Thailand. To stay informed, follow updates from the Thai Food and Drug Administration and trusted international health organizations.