The Body of Evidence 124 - Why was Red Dye No. 3 banned in the US?
Feb 5, 2025
Pedro Mendez, a science communicator and podcaster, joins Chris to unravel the mystery of Red Dye No. 3. They discuss why the FDA banned this dye in the U.S. yet it's still permitted in Canada. Is the link between this dye and cancer in rats a serious threat to humans? They also explore the potential connection between artificial colorings and ADHD in children. Plus, stick around for a delightful reference to Winnie the Pooh that adds a touch of whimsy to the serious topic of food safety and public health perceptions!
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Food Dye Purpose
- Food dyes are primarily used for aesthetic purposes, enhancing the visual appeal of food.
- They offer no nutritional or medical value and are prevalent in junk foods.
Neon-Colored Fruits
- Pedro Mendez notes that traditional Portuguese Christmas cakes used neon-colored dried fruits.
- He now finds darker, more natural-looking foods more appealing.
FDA Origin
- The FDA's focus on food quality originated from a 1950s Halloween incident involving Orange No. 1 dye.
- This incident led to the regulation of artificial food dyes.