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

Jul 7, 2025
Courtney Swan, a passionate food activist and host of Realfoodology, dives deep into America’s food system. She exposes toxic ingredients lurking in everyday pantry items and discusses the dangers of synthetic dyes like Red 40. Highlighting the shortcomings of regulatory oversight, she advocates for sustainable eating practices. Courtney emphasizes the impact of factory farming on health and promotes informed food choices while humorously tackling the ongoing egg crisis and misinformation about modern nutrition.
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INSIGHT

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.

ANECDOTE

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.
INSIGHT

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.
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