Maria Godoy

And, you know, this is also a health disparities issue because research suggests that low-income communities are exposed to a lot more synthetic food dyes.

And, you know, this is also a health disparities issue because research suggests that low-income communities are exposed to a lot more synthetic food dyes.

Can you tell me more about that? Like, why? The short answer is that these dyes are more common in cheaper foods. So we're talking ultra-processed foods that are designed to be shelf-stable. Think sugary snacks and drinks that are bright and colorful, and so they appeal to kids.

Can you tell me more about that? Like, why? The short answer is that these dyes are more common in cheaper foods. So we're talking ultra-processed foods that are designed to be shelf-stable. Think sugary snacks and drinks that are bright and colorful, and so they appeal to kids.

Can you tell me more about that? Like, why? The short answer is that these dyes are more common in cheaper foods. So we're talking ultra-processed foods that are designed to be shelf-stable. Think sugary snacks and drinks that are bright and colorful, and so they appeal to kids.

And there's evidence that people experiencing food insecurity eat more of this stuff because it's what's available and affordable.

And there's evidence that people experiencing food insecurity eat more of this stuff because it's what's available and affordable.

And there's evidence that people experiencing food insecurity eat more of this stuff because it's what's available and affordable.

No, not at all. So food manufacturers have until January 2027 to eliminate red dye number three from their products. But some manufacturers could reformulate more quickly because companies have known that an FDA ban was a possibility for a while now. Hmm. And of course, California has already banned several of these food dyes.

No, not at all. So food manufacturers have until January 2027 to eliminate red dye number three from their products. But some manufacturers could reformulate more quickly because companies have known that an FDA ban was a possibility for a while now. Hmm. And of course, California has already banned several of these food dyes.

No, not at all. So food manufacturers have until January 2027 to eliminate red dye number three from their products. But some manufacturers could reformulate more quickly because companies have known that an FDA ban was a possibility for a while now. Hmm. And of course, California has already banned several of these food dyes.

And often when California acts on an issue, it's a big enough state that it prompts manufacturers to change their products to comply just across the board.

And often when California acts on an issue, it's a big enough state that it prompts manufacturers to change their products to comply just across the board.

And often when California acts on an issue, it's a big enough state that it prompts manufacturers to change their products to comply just across the board.

Yeah, so consumer groups worry that some manufacturers may just replace red number three with red 40. And in fact, some food manufacturers have done that. And red 40, like other synthetic food dyes, has been linked to behavior issues in kids. While it's not banned in Europe, its use is more restricted.

Yeah, so consumer groups worry that some manufacturers may just replace red number three with red 40. And in fact, some food manufacturers have done that. And red 40, like other synthetic food dyes, has been linked to behavior issues in kids. While it's not banned in Europe, its use is more restricted.

Yeah, so consumer groups worry that some manufacturers may just replace red number three with red 40. And in fact, some food manufacturers have done that. And red 40, like other synthetic food dyes, has been linked to behavior issues in kids. While it's not banned in Europe, its use is more restricted.

So foods sold in the EU that contain red 40 and other dyes have to carry a health warning that says they may, quote, have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Wow. But there are natural food colorings from compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Turmeric and beetroot are some common options.

So foods sold in the EU that contain red 40 and other dyes have to carry a health warning that says they may, quote, have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Wow. But there are natural food colorings from compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Turmeric and beetroot are some common options.

So foods sold in the EU that contain red 40 and other dyes have to carry a health warning that says they may, quote, have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Wow. But there are natural food colorings from compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Turmeric and beetroot are some common options.