• Why is red food dye banned?

  • Mar 27 2025
  • Length: 34 mins
  • Podcast

Why is red food dye banned?

  • Summary

  • #208

    Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into how other countries like the UK and Canada are ahead of the U.S. in reevaluating approved substances. The episode includes personal anecdotes and a discussion on the role of public awareness in influencing FDA policies. They wrap up with a lighthearted conversation about sprinkles and favorite dyed foods.

    00:00 Introduction and FDA Discussion
    00:36 Podcast Banter and Hat Story
    02:42 FDA's Role and Food Additives
    04:48 Red Food Dye Controversy
    11:33 FDA Trustworthiness and Public Perception
    18:29 Comparing Food Regulations: US vs. Canada
    18:50 Trusting the FDA: A Personal Take
    20:02 Challenges Faced by the FDA
    20:56 Rebranding the FDA: A Fun Idea
    22:16 Sprinkles and Donuts: A Sweet Debate
    26:51 Favorite Dyed Foods
    30:44 Podcast Wrap-Up and Community Shoutouts

    References from this episode:

    1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856711009531
    2. https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf
    3. https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/23026007/
    4. https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs
    5. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/FDA-bans-red3-food-drugs/103/web/2025/01
    6. https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/articial-dyes.html
    7. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26
    8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/

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