Leadership CONNECT: 06-FEB-2025 (Y25W07)

I want to connect three recent news items and consider their combined implications.

Item #1: FDA Ban Red Dye No. 3

In January 2025, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) in foods and ingested drugs due to cancer risks identified in lab rat studies from the 1980s. The dye was already prohibited in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990, but it remained in food products for decades. The decision follows mounting concerns over synthetic dyes and aligns with global regulatory trends. Manufacturers have until January 2027 to reformulate their products.

Item #2: Kennedy Advocates for Stricter Regulations on Food Additives

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been vocal about the potential health risks associated with artificial food dyes. He stated, “Food coloring is a problem. Red Dye No. 3 has been banned in Europe. They’re banning it in California. It’s been associated with cancer in animals.” (foxnews.com)

He also emphasized the broader issue, saying, “We have a generation of kids who are swimming around in a toxic soup right now. We’re letting these industries corrupt our agencies, and mass poison them. (foxnews.com)

Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial views on vaccines and public health, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. His nomination has advanced through the Senate Finance Committee with a 14-13 party-line vote, moving to the full Senate for consideration. Despite concerns from some lawmakers about his past statements, key Republican senators have expressed support after receiving assurances regarding his stance on vaccine policies. (apnews.com)

Item #3: Trump Embraces Kennedy Planning to “Make America Healthy Again”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former Democrat turned independent, garnered approximately 8% of the national vote during his 2024 presidential campaign. In key battleground states, his support varied, reaching up to 24% in some areas. Recognizing his influence, Donald Trump offered Kennedy a cabinet position for his endorsement. Trump stated, “I have great respect for Bobby’s intellect and passion for health freedom.” Kennedy responded, “I am honored to serve and look forward to working with President Trump to ensure the safety of all Americans.”

In October 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, stating, “For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.” He emphasized that Kennedy would “Make America Great and Healthy Again!” (theaustralian.com.au)

My Takeaways

1. Why did it take the FDA more than 50 years to ban Red Dye No. 3? A classic case that demonstrates the system is broken.

    

2. Kennedy’s claims against the medical establishment seem to mirror Trump’s claims against the old political order.

    

3. In fact, the USA’s healthcare system is highly inefficient. The cost-to-value ratio is relatively low.

    

4. Kennedy represents pent-up anger against the healthcare system, much like Trump represents pent-up anger against the “system.”

    

5. People connect well with “Make X Great Again” – a return to a perceived former golden age.

This is the world today: a combination of lies to be exposed (e.g., “Red Dye No. 3”), failing systems that do not work for many people (e.g., “USA healthcare”), and leaders who simplify solutions into slogans like “Make X Great Again.”