The FDA’s decision to finally ban Red Dye No. 3 got us thinking: What else is lurking in our food, personal care products, and everyday lives that should be banned but isn’t?

Spoiler alert: there’s plenty. Let’s dive into some of the worst offenders still hanging around, despite evidence that they might be doing more harm than good.

1. Other Synthetic Food Dyes

Okay, so Red No. 3 is on its way out (eventually), but what about the rest? Take Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1—they’re all still widely used in the U.S. despite studies suggesting they may cause behavioral issues in kids and other health concerns. Meanwhile, countries in the European Union require warning labels on foods containing some of these dyes. Why? Because, unlike here, they think consumers should know when a product might mess with their kid’s attention span.

2. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

If you’ve ever wondered why everything in the grocery store seems to taste just a little too sweet, you can thank HFCS. This cheap, highly processed sweetener is everywhere—from soda to salad dressing—and is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Yet, somehow, it still reigns supreme in our food system.

3. Partially Hydrogenated Oils

The FDA banned artificial trans fats back in 2015, giving companies a few years to phase them out, but some products still contain trace amounts through sneaky loopholes. Even tiny amounts of these fats, often found in processed baked goods, can increase your risk of heart disease. Why are we allowing even a smidge of something so harmful?

4. Glyphosate (aka Roundup)

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, and it’s also the subject of major lawsuits for its potential links to cancer. Despite mounting evidence and growing bans in other countries, it’s still used heavily in U.S. agriculture—and, yes, traces end up in our food. What’s worse is that it’s particularly common in products like oats and wheat, which means your morning bowl of oatmeal might come with a side of questionable chemicals.

5. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

Used in some sodas and sports drinks to stabilize the flavor, BVO contains bromine—a chemical also found in flame retardants. It’s been linked to memory loss, skin problems, and nerve issues. While it’s been banned in places like Europe and Japan, it’s still chilling in the U.S. beverage aisle like it’s no big deal.

6. Certain Preservatives (e.g., BHA and BHT)

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are preservatives used to extend shelf life in processed foods like cereal, chips, and even gum. Both are considered “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, but studies have linked them to potential hormone disruption and cancer in lab animals. So why are they still a thing?

7. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame and saccharin might sound like the perfect guilt-free sugar swaps, but they’re riddled with controversy. Studies have suggested potential links to cancer, headaches, and metabolic issues. While some claims remain hotly debated, wouldn’t it make sense to err on the side of caution?

8. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

These are the chemicals that keep your non-stick pans slick, your raincoats water-resistant, and your fast food wrappers grease-free. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment—or your body. Studies have linked PFAS to cancer, immune system problems, and reproductive issues. Yet, they’re still in everything from cookware to cosmetics.

Why Does It Take So Long to Ban Harmful Substances?

The FDA and other regulatory bodies often require years of research before making a call on whether something should be banned. While caution is important, these delays often come at the expense of public health. Meanwhile, industries lobby hard to keep these substances legal, prioritizing profits over safety.

What Can We Do?

• Read labels: Look for clean, recognizable ingredients and avoid products with synthetic dyes, HFCS, and preservatives like BHA or BHT.
• Support companies making better choices: Many brands are moving away from harmful additives and adopting more natural alternatives.
• Advocate for change: Reach out to lawmakers, sign petitions, and support organizations fighting for cleaner food and product standards.

It’s time we ask ourselves: If other countries can say goodbye to harmful chemicals and additives, why can’t we?

Red Dye No. 3 may be on the chopping block, but there’s a whole lineup of offenders waiting for their turn. Let’s make it happen—because our health shouldn’t be an afterthought.

What’s at the top of your “should-be-banned” list?

Let us know in the comments below!