The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show Courtney Swan On The Scary Truth About America’s Food System, Toxic Ingredients Hiding In Your Pantry, & How To Protect Your Health
The Dark Truth About America's Food Additives and Why the FDA is Just Now Reacting
Courtney Swan reveals that the FDA is only beginning to acknowledge the dangers of synthetic food dyes and other additives, which have been linked to behavioral problems and cancer. She explains that these dyes are petroleum byproducts and have been widely used despite bans or restrictions in places like the UK and Canada.
The FDA is urging companies to phase out these synthetic dyes by 2026, but enforcement may be required if companies don't comply voluntarily. Moreover, Courtney highlights that America allows thousands of food additives compared to the EU's few hundred, indicating a much more lenient regulatory approach.
She points out a systemic issue where food companies essentially self-regulate, submitting their own research for FDA approval, while true regulatory oversight is lacking due to insufficient resources and corruption influenced by powerful food industry lobbyists.
Synthetic Food Dye Phase-Out
- The FDA is planning to phase out synthetic food dyes by 2026, with companies like PepsiCo already agreeing.
- States like West Virginia have banned these dyes, increasing pressure on food companies to comply or be forced by the FDA.
Additive Regulations Contrast
- The U.S. allows around 4,000 to 10,000 food additives, while the EU allows only about 400.
- This stark difference highlights America's far less stringent food additive regulations compared to other countries.
