Why is this So Bright?

That bright red candy or neon-blue drink didn’t happen by accident. Food dyes are used to make food look more fun, fresh, or exciting, even if the taste stays the same. Government work isn’t just about laws or elections; it also affects everyday situations, like what shows up on store shelves. Decisions about food influence people without them even realizing it.

Today, colorful foods are common in snacks and drinks, especially ones marketed to young people. Government agencies pay attention to patterns, such as what is being sold, who it is sold to, and where it appears. Before rules are created, someone has to ask careful questions and think about impact. This kind of work depends on social awareness and understanding how products affect real people.

Your Task:
Imagine you were given control over your state’s health agency social media account for a day, where you could share a message with the public.

1: Take a Photo
Take a photo of (or look for a picture of) one food or drink you already have access to that looks very bright or artificial in color, such as candy, cereal, chips, soda, frosting, or a sports drink.

2: Observe & Reflect
Reflect on the questions below:
• What color stands out the most? Do you see any food dyes listed in the ingredients?
• Who do you think this food is designed to attract?
• Where do you usually see this food sold?

3: Write the Social Media Caption
Write a short caption, about 3–5 lines, that does all three things below:
• Start with one sentence that makes someone stop scrolling.
• In one or two sentences, explain why the government might care about foods like this and who it could affect the most.
• End with one question you would ask the company or the people reading the post that would make them reflect further on the topic.