Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your favorite ice cream flavor, and why do you like it?
- Do you think the way food looks can change how it tastes? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- artificial /ahr-tuh-FISH-uhl/
- dye /dahy/
- major /MEY-jer/
- specific /spi-SIF-ik/
- manufacturer /man-yuh-FAK-cher-er/
[adjective] – made by people, not natural
Many people avoid artificial sweeteners because they prefer natural ones.
[noun] – a substance used to change the color of something
The company decided to remove all dyes from its fruit drinks to make them more natural.
[adjective] – very important or large in size, amount, or effect
The government introduced a major policy change to improve public health.
[adjective] – clearly identified or exact
The report did not mention any specific names linked to the incident.
[noun] – a person or company that makes products in large amounts
Many toy manufacturers are now using recycled materials.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On July 14, 2025, the U.S. government announced that nearly 40 ice cream companies will stop using seven artificial food dyes in their products by 2028. This decision came after ongoing pressure from the Trump administration, which has pushed food companies to remove synthetic colors because of possible health risks. The dyes to be removed include Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called this change a major step in food manufacturing. While the FDA says most approved dyes are safe, some studies have shown a possible link between artificial colors and behavioral problems like hyperactivity in children. The head of Turkey Hill Dairy was present at the government briefing, but no specific company names were listed.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said this is part of a wider plan to improve food safety. He confirmed that Red 3 was already banned earlier this year, and all manufacturers must stop using it by 2027. The FDA has approved new natural colors, such as blue dye made from gardenia fruit. However, health experts say that removing dyes alone is not enough. Ice cream still contains high amounts of sugar and fat. Some groups believe stronger government rules are needed to make sure companies follow these changes.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said this is part of a wider plan to improve food safety. He confirmed that Red 3 was already banned earlier this year, and all manufacturers must stop using it by 2027. The FDA has approved new natural colors, such as blue dye made from gardenia fruit. However, health experts say that removing dyes alone is not enough. Ice cream still contains high amounts of sugar and fat. Some groups believe stronger government rules are needed to make sure companies follow these changes.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How many ice cream companies will stop using artificial food dyes?
- How many artificial dyes will be removed from ice cream products?
- What is the reason for removing synthetic colors from food?
- What kind of problem may be linked to artificial colors in children?
- What natural ingredient is used in the new blue coloring?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever eaten ice cream with very bright colors? If yes, what did you think about the colors or taste? If not, would you like to try it, or do you prefer natural colors? Why?
- Have you ever thought about what is inside your food, like colors or sugar? If yes, what ingredients do you try to avoid? If not, would you like to start checking ingredients? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that the government should create strict rules instead of asking companies to make voluntary changes?
- Why do you think some companies use bright colors in food?
- Do you think removing artificial dyes will help people become healthier? Why or why not?