A Jersey City journalist is recovering after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run that ended in a violent multi-car crash and a string of charges against the driver, authorities said. According to police and witness accounts, the collision occurred in Jersey City when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and left the scene. The victim, a local journalist, was thrown to the ground and suffered injuries that required medical treatment. Instead of stopping, the driver, a resident in Bayonne New Jersey, Laura Castaneda, allegedly fled the area at a high rate of speed. Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle was seen traveling at what they believed to be more than 90 miles per hour along West Side Avenue, heading in the direction of Bayonne. Within seconds, the driver reportedly lost control and crashed into three parked vehicles, totaling all three as well as the vehicle they were driving. Emergency responders arrived on scene to find significant damage to the parked cars and debri...
In a significant move aimed at enhancing public health, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on April 22, 2025, a comprehensive plan to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the American food supply by the end of 2026.
Details of the Plan
The targeted dyes include Red 3 and 40, Blue 1 and 2, Yellow 5 and 6, Green 3, Citrus Red No. 2, and Orange B. These additives are commonly found in a variety of products such as candies, cereals, beverages, and snacks.
The plan outlines a phased approach:
Immediate Action: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will begin the process of revoking authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B in the coming months.
Voluntary Industry Collaboration: The FDA aims to work with food manufacturers to voluntarily eliminate the remaining six dyes by the end of 2026.
Natural Alternatives: The agency plans to fast-track the approval of natural color additives such as beet juice, turmeric, butterfly pea flower extract, and Galdieria extract to replace synthetic dyes.
Secretary Kennedy emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals."
Health Concerns and Scientific Findings
The decision to phase out these dyes is driven by growing health concerns. Studies have linked synthetic food dyes to various health issues, including behavioral problems in children such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as potential risks of cancer and DNA damage.
Notably, Red Dye No. 3 was banned from cosmetics over three decades ago due to its association with cancer in laboratory animals. In January 2025, the FDA announced that Red 3 would be banned in food by 2027.
Industry Response and Implementation Challenges
While some consumer advocacy groups have praised the initiative, industry stakeholders have expressed concerns. The International Association of Color Manufacturers stated that there are not enough alternatives available to replace these products and that supply chains will require time to adapt.
The National Confectioners Association, representing candy, gum, and mint producers, emphasized the need for time to find safe and viable alternatives.
Despite these challenges, some companies have pledged to reformulate their products, especially those served in schools, to eliminate artificial dyes.
Broader Public Health Goals
This initiative is part of Secretary Kennedy's broader "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, which aims to address chronic diseases and improve children's health by reducing exposure to harmful additives in the food supply.
The FDA will also collaborate with the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of food additives on children's health, further informing future policy decisions.
As the U.S. moves toward eliminating these synthetic dyes, the success of this plan will depend on effective collaboration between government agencies, the food industry, and public health advocates.