130: Hidden Dangers of Food Colorings

In this episode, Dr. Steve exposes the hidden dangers of food colorings, revealing how common dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are linked to cancer, organ damage, and hyperactivity in children. He highlights how these toxic additives are still widely used in the U.S. despite being banned elsewhere and how they’re found in nearly half of the foods marketed to kids. He also encourages avoiding artificial dyes by sticking to real, whole foods for better health.

 

[00:01 - 08:16] Early History & Global Reality of Food Dyes

1958 Delaney Clause: mass elixir deaths sparked a rule banning cancer‑causing additives.
Seven dyes still dominate U.S. food: Red 3 & 40, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1 & 2, Green 3—four of them have been shown to be carcinogenic.
Nearly half of child‑marketed products contain these synthetic colors.
UK/EU ban or replace most dyes; U.S. FDA continues to allow them despite a 71 % historical failure rate.

 

[08:17 - 15:30] FDA Gap & Exposure

Red 3 banned in cosmetics after cancer proof (1990) but still legal in U.S. foods for eye‑appeal and profits.

Kids react at 35 mg; average intake 100‑200 mg/day

EU posts hyperactivity warnings; FDA acknowledged dye‑linked behavior issues (2011) yet took no action.
Red 40 in 30 % of groceries; major dyes tied to cancer & ADHD

 

[15:31 - 21:31] Closing segment

Kids’ cereals 43 %, frozen breakfasts 86 %, drink mixes 90 %, fruit snacks 94 %, candy 96 % contain artificial colors.