Happy Memorial day to everyone! 🇺🇸 As we celebrate and remember those who have served our country, I want to take a moment and do something very American… Be politically involved in my country and write a letter to those that serve our country as elected officials and food-leaders. 

In 2022 I wrote an article that explored the differences in food between the USA and Europe because of my digestion experience while I travel (quite good) and when I’m home even eating “healthy” (not as good). That article has gotten quite a lot of attention which spurred me to dive deeper into the topic. 

Since then, I have read many books on the topic of nutrition, ultra-processed foods, digestion, food additives, and related topics and have been appalled at some of the things I’ve learned, so I want to write an open letter to our lawmakers and food giants, and call them to action on this important issue: 

Dear Leaders, Lawmakers and Food Giants

The time has come to confront an uncomfortable truth: we can no longer turn a blind eye to the toxic additives stealthily added to our food by industry giants like Kellogs, Kraft-Heinz, Coca-Cola, and others that are poisoning Americans. What we put into our bodies should not be determined by corporations driven solely by their bottom line. To you, our government officials: are you voting in the interest of these corporations and your re-election campaign funds, or are you voting to promote the health and well being of the people you represent?

The stark reality is this: the American diet is dictated for us and we don’t even know it. It’s not only a fight for our health but also a fight against poverty. According to the National Institute of Health, more severe food insecurity was associated with higher intakes of ultra-processed foods (and thus, food additives). Those affected by poverty are disproportionately burdened by these hazardous ingredients, further exacerbating existing hardships, and health problems which are only making the poor poorer and the sick sicker. 

In recent years, California has taken a commendable step towards safeguarding its citizens by banning certain hazardous food additives, but Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the rest of the country must not lag behind in prioritizing our health and well-being. We ask that you, our leaders, impose stricter bans and regulations on additives, like California and the European Union. The time has come to do more to promote and subsidize healthy, organic produce, instead of ultra-processed, ultra-marketed, fake foods. 

Sincerely and respectfully, 
A concerned citizen
Dan DuPraw

Calling on our leaders by name, this is addressed to you

Philadelphia Mayor: Cherelle Parker
My Congresswoman (PA-5) Mary Gay Scanlon
All Philadelphia City Council Members: Kenyatta Johnson, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Isaiah Thomas, Jim Harrity, Nina Ahmad, Rue Landau, Kendra Brooks, Nicolas O’Rourke. 
PA Senators: John Fetterman, Bob Casey Jr. 
FDA Commissioner: Robert M. Califf, M.D.
Coca Cola CEO: James Quincey
Kelloggs CEO: Steve Cahillane
Kraft-Heinz CEO: Carolos Abrams-Rivera

For further reading

I highly recommend each of these books, but if you only have time for one or two, they are in order with my most recommended books at the top. Consider Audible if you do better listening than reading. 

• Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken
• Real Food, Fake Food by Larry Olmsted
• Good Energy by Casey Means MD & Calley Means
• The Blue Zones of Happiness by Dan Buettner and Ed Diener
• The Dorito Effect by Mark Schatzker
• The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer
• Three Dangerous Additives Allowed in US food but Banned in Europe, article by Dan DuPraw