

What You Need to Know About Food Dyes
17 snips Apr 29, 2025
The FDA's move to phase out artificial food dyes sparks a discussion on the health risks they've posed, particularly regarding children's health. The conversation reveals the stark differences in food dye regulations between the U.S. and other countries like Canada and Europe. Additionally, a comparison of frozen versus fresh vegetables highlights how frozen options may retain more vitamins. Tips on maximizing nutrition through proper food handling techniques are also shared, ensuring that you get the most out of your meals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Petroleum-based Dyes: No Nutrition
- Petroleum-based dyes have no nutritional value and are used purely for aesthetic reasons.
- They are synthetic and stable, which makes them common in ultra-processed foods for vibrant, long-lasting colors.
Health Concerns of Food Dyes
- Some petroleum-based dyes raise cancer risk in animals and may have neurotoxic effects in children.
- However, a direct cause-effect relationship in humans is not established yet.
Precaution vs Evidence Approach
- Countries like Canada and Europe use natural dyes out of precaution despite unclear evidence of harm.
- The US prefers a strict cause and effect evidence approach before banning dyes.