The US Surgeon General recently published a warning about the danger of alcohol and cancer. For decades the danger of many products daily consumed have known toxic chemicals. Some products have included warning labels and some others not. Most are aware about the warning labels on cigarettes. In the United States, cigarette packages were required to have health warning labels starting January 1, 1966. The warning label read, “Caution: Cigarette Smoking May be Hazardous to Your Health”.  The word “May” is troubling to me. Not a very confident word leading the consumer to question the warning.

I believe there should be warning labels like those on European cigarette boxes. If you buy a box of cigarettes in the UK or Europe, you will see a warning. It might be like the one below. It states there is an undeniable risk and harm to yourself and others. Some of them are a bit scary. When I first started to travel abroad I noticed they were much scarier than the labels in the US. But, I think people just get used to seeing them.

The consumers all over the world daily choose to continue to smoke, drink, and eat ultra-processed toxic chemical filled products. It is a personal choice of what you eat, drink, or smoke after all.

It has been known for over 30 years of the dangers of Red Dye Number 3. Yet it has taken the FDA all these decades to actually publish it as fact.

It has also been known for a long time the dangers of drinking sugary filled drinks.

There are 39 grams of sugar in a 12 oz Coca‑Cola can. The daily recommendation from the American Heart Association is 36 grams (which is 9 Tablespoons). This is one can! Even one or two colas a day increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 20%. Sugar intake is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess fat. These factors increase the risk of heart disease. Colas and other sugary drinks have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

I believe that companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi should be required to have warning labels on each can. Consumers are mostly unaware of how dangerous this is for their health. Coca-Cola has been around for One Hundred Thirty years and has a presence in over 200 countries worldwide.

Lets talk about Red Dye Number 3 – The FDA finally has decided to ban this petroleum based dye. After 30 years! Red No. 3, approved for use in foods in 1907, is made from petroleum. The FDA’s effort to ban the dye has been in the works for decades. The agency first became aware that the additive was possibly carcinogenic. This awareness followed a study in the 1980s. The study found tumors in male rats who were exposed to it in high doses.

Why did it take so long? Did you know that candies such as the Valentines Day Sweethearts and Halloween Candy Corn had petroleum in them?

Other products that include this dye are Yahoo Strawberry drink and Red sprinkles. They also include Toll House Funfetti Cookie Dough and Nesquik Strawberry Milk. Imitation bacon bits and many other brands contain this dye as well.

Be warned! This ban doesn’t take effect until 2027 for food use, and 2028 for prescription drug use! Yes, there is this dye in some drugs doctor’s prescribe! I wonder if the doctor’s even are aware of this.

What do you think? Do you feel we need more warning labels? I think that many of these products have been around for so long. We are immune to understanding the exact dangers they pose to our bodies. My take on all this is somewhat outrage, somewhat surprise, and somewhat sadness. That there are companies producing knowingly toxic chemicals that we can ingest. I wonder how they sleep at night?

I am a nurse who cares about your health. Please be safe and consume safely!

Coucou! Küsse See you next time!