Food Safety: Protecting and Nourishing Our Kids With Safe Food Options
- Category: Blog
- Posted On:
- Written By: Muzna Atif, MD, Pediatrics
Have you ever considered what’s in the food your child is eating? If you pack their lunch for school, do you try to include a variety of colorful foods? Did you know that some of those vibrant colors in your child’s snacks are created with dyes that are linked to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The Center For Disease Control And Prevention(CDC) reports that approximately 7 million children aged 3 to 17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. In response, the California School Food Safety Act, just signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom, bans six artificial dyes in foods from being used in public schools. Food dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 are now banned As schools promote nutritious eating habits for children, it’s a good idea for parents to remove these harmful chemicals from their children’s diet at home as well.
Healthy eating is extremely important for growth and development in childhood and early adolescence. The CDC suggests that children over the age of two should follow these dietary guidelines:
- A variety of fruits and vegetables - rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, crucial for growth and immune support.
- Whole grains - provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.
- Fat-free and low-fat dairy products - important for calcium and bone health.
- Protein foods - essential for growth and muscle development.
- Healthy Oils - healthy fats are vital for brain development.
Nutritious eating can help maintain a suitable weight and can reduce the risk of developing health conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Schools can encourage children to make better eating choices and make sure they receive the proper nutrients. By helping children learn about nutrition and smart eating habits, schools can foster beneficial eating habits that extend beyond with the classroom.
Schools play a critical role in promoting healthy eating, but parents need to take an active role by encouraging nutritious choices. Parents who pack their child’s lunch for school, should adhere to the CDC’s guidelines on best food groups to incorporate to ensure their kids are energized to perform their best in and outside the classroom..
It is up to us to educate our children about the importance of a balanced diet and in doing so instill in them the right choices for their bodies as they grow up. Let’s work together to ensure our kids get the nutritious foods they need. Check your pantry today and try to eliminate those harmful dyes!
