Why is red food dye banned?

#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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