Table of Contents
Sign up the for the newsletter!
The US wants to stop using artificial dyes in food. The US will stop by the end of 2026.
Now, some food companies use food dye made from artificial chemicals. Soon, they must use dyes made from plants.
The US government says companies can use dyes from fruit and vegetables. They can use watermelon or beet juice for red. They can use carrot juice for orange.
In January, one artificial food dye, Red No. 3, was stopped. Some people said it was bad for our health.
The government wants six other artificial dyes stopped by the end of next year.
Some people think artificial dyes make kids sick. They say artificial food dyes make kids fat. They also say kids can get problems like ADHD.
Experts think food companies can change to new dyes fast. Food companies use dyes from plants in other countries already.
Also, food companies say artificial dyes are safe.
Vocabulary
- the US – USA; The United States of America
- Artificial – Made by people; not found in nature
- Dye – Something that adds color to things like food, cloth or hair
- Chemical – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules; stuff that things are made of; synthetic;
- Plant – 🪴; a living thing that grows in the ground, like a tree or a flower
- Government – the group of people who have the authority to make and enforce laws and manage a country or region; the people/group that manage and operate a country
- Health – How well your body is working; a person’s mental or physical condition;
- Sick – ill; not feeling well;
- ADHD – A condition that can make it hard for some kids to focus or sit still
- Expert – a person with a lot of knowledge and experience in a trade, job or profession
Discussion Questions
- Is it a good idea to stop using artificial dyes in food? Why or why not?
- Do you think companies can make food colors from plants easily? Why?
- Food companies say artificial dyes are safe. Do you think this is true? Why?
- Do you like food that is very bright and colorful? Why or why not?
- Is stopping all artificial food dyes by next year too fast? Why or why not?
- English teachers looking for teaching ideas, check out my post on using easy news articles for lessons.
- English learners looking for study ideas, check out my post on using news stories for English practice.
Original Story
Fill-in-the-Blank Listening Practice
The US _____ to stop using artificial dyes in food. The US will stop by the end of _____ .
Now, some food companies _____ food dye made from artificial chemicals. Soon, they must use dyes _____ from plants.
The US government says _____ can use dyes from fruit and vegetables. They can use watermelon or beet _____ for red. They can use carrot juice for orange.
In _____ , one artificial food dye, Red No. 3, was stopped. Some people _____ it was bad for our health.
The government wants _____ other artificial dyes stopped by the end of next _____ .
Some people think artificial dyes _____ kids sick. They say artificial food dyes make _____ fat. They also say kids can get problems like ADHD.
_____ think food companies can change to new dyes fast. _____ companies use dyes from plants in other countries already.
_____ , food companies say artificial dyes are _____ .
