My son, Dylan Doucet, is seeking signatures on this petition that we are planning to take to the FDA and Congress. The goal is to get artificial colors banned from his favorite snacks, like M&Ms, Doritos, and Gatorade. These same products are made in other countries without these harmful ingredients. Artificial colors are the leading disruptor of the gut microbiome in children. 

As the mother of an ADHD child, I am deeply concerned about the harm artificial food colors may bring to children like my son. Research has linked food coloring types such as Red 40 to increased hyperactivity in children with ADHD (Source: National Institute of Health, US). This calls into question the safety of widely using such additives in our food.

Artificial food colors are found in a myriad of everyday foods - from cereals to candy to drinks, and even in products we wouldn't suspect, like pickles. Parents might not even realize that their children are ingesting these potentially harmful substances on a daily basis. While some may argue that these colors make food more appealing, is this superficial benefit worth the potential risks posed to our children's health?

Given the scientific findings and our children's wellbeing at stake, it's time we demand food companies to remove artificial colors from their products. Let's petition for the prohibition of artificial food colors usage in the food industry. Our children deserve better. Their health must always be our top priority.

Most recently, the California Legislature has sent to the governor's desk a bill that would ban six artificial colors from use in public school foods. This is a great step in the right direction, but the rest of the US need action as well. Many other countries, like the UK already have bans in place.

For the sake of our children, I urge you to sign this petition. Together, we can bring about a healthier future for them.