A new Axios/Ipsos American Health Index, released Friday, reveals a strong desire among most Americans for increased government intervention in food safety and labeling practices. The poll highlights a widespread consensus on the need for clearer food guidelines and greater transparency, even on issues that sometimes divide along partisan lines.
Nearly nine in ten Americans (87%) believe the government should do more to ensure food safety, including updating nutritional guidelines, adding labels to foods with artificial dyes, or reducing pesticide exposure. A striking 90% of respondents agreed it should be easier for the average American to comprehend food safety guidelines.
“These findings underscore a fundamental desire among the public for more clarity and protection when it comes to what they’re eating,” said Mallory Newall, Vice President of Public Affairs at Ipsos. “It’s not just about safety; it’s about empowerment through information.”
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Artificial Dyes and Pesticides Spark Concern
The survey found that more than half of Americans (56%) view chemicals or unsafe additives in foods as a large or moderate health risk. While slightly fewer (41%) felt the same about food dyes, parents of children under 18 were more likely to perceive these as risks (64% for chemicals/additives and 46% for food dyes).
A significant two in three Americans (67%) expressed skepticism about the safety of foods containing pesticides or artificial food dyes, even if approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This sentiment cut across the political spectrum, with 71% of Republicans, 66% of Democrats, and 65% of independents agreeing.
When it comes to artificial dyes, a plurality of Americans (38%) support their complete removal from foods, even if it leads to higher costs due to the use of natural dyes. Another 22% advocate for the removal of some artificial dyes if cost and appearance remain largely unchanged, while 20% prefer requiring labels on foods with artificial dyes, allowing consumers to make their own choices. Only a tiny 2% believe no changes are needed regarding artificial dyes in food packaging.
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Vaccine Trust and Transparency in Politics
While the focus remains largely on food, the poll also touched on public health issues, revealing a nuanced view on vaccine recommendations and a strong demand for transparency regarding the health of elected officials.
Roughly three-quarters of the public (77%) agree that parents should adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended immunization schedules for children. However, the level of strong agreement has softened, falling from 51% in February-March 2025 to 40% in the current poll, a trend observed across political affiliations.
Trust in current childhood vaccine recommendations from the federal government stands at 71%. In contrast, trust in current COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the federal government is significantly lower, at just 45%. Non-parents generally showed more trust in both childhood and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations than parents. Political affiliation also played a role, with Democrats showing more trust in both childhood (81%) and COVID-19 (68%) vaccine recommendations compared to Republicans (69% and 25%, respectively) and independents (65% and 42%, respectively).
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A separate but related finding from the poll indicates a strong public desire for more information and transparency about the health of elected officials.
Half of Americans (50%) feel there is too little information about the health of the current U.S. President, and 59% believe the public doesn’t receive enough information about the health of members of Congress. A significant 72% disagree that most elected officials are honest with the American public about their health.
Furthermore, 74% believe there should be a legal requirement for any current president to share their health records, with strong bipartisan support.
An overwhelming 81% agree that current presidents should undergo cognitive tests and disease screenings with publicly shared results. The poll also found broad support for age limits for all federally elected officials (81%) and Supreme Court justices (80%).
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