The Dr. Hyman Show

Food dye, ADHD, and Corporate Lies: How Big Food Targets Your Kids | Vani Hari

Apr 9, 2025

Vani Hari, known as the Food Babe, is a food activist and author dedicated to exposing harmful ingredients in our food. In this conversation, she highlights the unethical practices of U.S. food companies like Kellogg's, particularly regarding artificial food dyes that may contribute to ADHD in children. Vani reveals FDA loopholes that allow self-approval of harmful chemicals and emphasizes the need for stronger labeling practices. She also encourages consumer activism as a powerful tool for change, advocating for healthier alternatives and transparency in food production.

01:19:11

Episode guests

Vani Hari

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Vani Hari highlights that U.S. food companies often prioritize profit over health by using harmful additives and dyes not found in overseas products.

The episode emphasizes a critical loophole allowing companies to self-approve food chemicals, undermining consumer safety and transparency in the industry.

Citizen activism is portrayed as a powerful tool for driving change, pushing back against corporate practices, and advocating for healthier food options.

Deep dives

Rise of Citizen Activism

The episode highlights the growing movement of citizen activists who are challenging food corporations for their unethical practices. An example discussed is the delivery of 400,000 petitions to Kellogg’s headquarters, protesting the use of artificial ingredients in products like Froot Loops that are not utilized in other countries. This movement is fueled by deep-seated frustrations among consumers who are aware that companies prioritize profit over public health. The episode emphasizes that change is possible when individuals gather and demand accountability from these major corporations.

Intro

4min

Advocacy Against Artificial Food Dyes

17min

Rethinking Food Labeling: Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

2min

Food Addiction and Corporate Accountability

7min

Exploring Superfoods: Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat and Healthy Alternatives

3min

Awakening Awareness: The Child Health Crisis and Legislative Change

3min

Unmasking the Food Industry's Influence

26min

Reforming Food and Health Systems

15min

Catalyzing Change in Food Awareness and Nutrition

3min

Are U.S. food companies cutting corners at the expense of your health? Vani Hari, known to many as the Food Babe, thinks so—and she’s spent over a decade sounding the alarm. In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, she shares why she believes many American products are still made with harmful additives and dyes, even though companies have found ways to remove them in versions sold abroad.

In our conversation, she explains:

Why she believes Kellogg’s and other U.S. brands aren’t doing enough to protect American consumers.
The FDA loophole she says allows companies to self-approve food chemicals without oversight.
How food dyes could be contributing to rising rates of behavioral issues in kids.
The labeling gaps and industry tactics she says are keeping consumers in the dark.
How everyday people can push back—and why she believes activism still works.

Don’t miss this insightful episode!

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