Explain It to Me
Why can I buy Halloween candy that would be banned in other countries?
Oct 30, 2024
Join Kimberly Mas, a Vox producer and science reporter, alongside Melanie Benesh, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Environmental Working Group, as they unravel the mystery of why certain food additives are banned in other countries but remain legal in the U.S. They delve into the health implications of Halloween candy, specifically concerning synthetic dyes, and discuss the regulatory gaps that allow these harmful substances to slip through the cracks. The conversation also highlights California’s proactive stance on food safety, setting the stage for national change.
48:43
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Quick takeaways
- The episode highlights the stark differences in food safety regulations between the U.S. and Europe, particularly regarding the precautionary principle adopted by the EU.
- Concerns over the health implications of food dyes, especially red dye number three, underscore the need for stronger oversight in American food regulations.
Deep dives
Halloween and Food Additives
Halloween serves as a fascinating backdrop to discuss food additives and their regulation, particularly in America. The episode highlights the historical context of food dye use, referencing a significant incident in 1950 where candy dyed with Orange One caused severe health issues in children, leading to legislative changes. This incident prompted Congress and the FDA to scrutinize food additives more closely and resulted in the banning of harmful dyes. However, despite these regulations, many food dyes, such as red dye number three, remain in use, raising concerns about their safety and the lack of current oversight.
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