Full Measure After Hours: Dye Hard – Artificial Food Dye Links to Cancer, ADD, and More

Host: Sharyl Attkisson
Guest: Sarah Sorcher, Center for Science in the Public Interest
Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Sharyl Attkisson delves into the contentious issue of artificial food dyes and their potential links to serious health concerns such as cancer and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The discussion features Sarah Sorcher from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a prominent consumer advocacy organization dedicated to promoting safer food systems.

Health Risks of Artificial Food Dyes

Sarah Sorcher outlines the significant health risks associated with synthetic food dyes. She emphasizes their connection to neurobehavioral issues in children, notably symptoms resembling Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sorcher explains:

"Food dyes have been tied to neurobehavioral risks in certain children, like ADD. We're talking about ADHD-like symptoms. So inattention, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and this can cause issues in the classroom and for kids at home."
[01:51]

Moreover, Sorcher highlights cancer risks linked to specific dyes. Red No. 3, in particular, has been associated with cancer in animal studies conducted in the 1980s. Despite evidence, the FDA has not banned Red No. 3 for use in food:

"Red 3 was associated with cancer in animal studies. There's very clear evidence tying Red 3 to cancer risks in animals... but FDA never took action on Red 3 in foods."
[02:14]

Regulatory Challenges and FDA Response

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the FDA's role and perceived inaction regarding the regulation of artificial food dyes. Sorcher criticizes the FDA for being under-resourced and susceptible to industry influence, leading to insufficient oversight:

"The FDA ... has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to additive safety... they're vulnerable to capture from the food industry."
[02:57]

She further explains the FDA's reliance on the "de minimis" exception, which allows the continued use of additives deemed not harmful at low exposure levels. However, Sorcher contends that cumulative exposures from various sources can still pose significant health risks:

"The FDA is required by law to remove food additives that are known to cause cancer... but they feel that the level of exposure isn't high enough to, to trigger action."
[03:45]

State-Level Actions

In response to federal inaction, some states have begun taking matters into their own hands. California is at the forefront, considering legislation to remove synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide from school meals. Sorcher anticipates positive outcomes from such measures:

"The state of California is currently considering a bill to take synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide out of school meals... this takes it one step further in terms of protecting children."
[09:19]

She notes that California's recent ban on Red No. 3 and other harmful additives, effective in 2027, sets a precedent for stricter state regulations.

Common Foods Containing Controversial Dyes

Addressing consumer concerns, Sorcher provides examples of commonly consumed products that contain questionable dyes. While specific brands like Campbell's Soup and Kraft Cheddar Fat Free Shredded Cheese have been identified, the conversation underscores the prevalence of these additives in various food categories:

"Campbell's Soup uses titanium dioxide... Kraft Cheddar Fat Free Shredded Cheese uses titanium dioxide. ... Great Value Country Sausage Gravy and Lunchables Uploaded Meal Kit with Turkey, Ham and American Sub Sandwich has titanium dioxide."
[12:42 – 13:24]

Advice for Consumers

Recognizing the difficulty consumers face in navigating food labels, Sorcher advises using resources like CSPI's "Chemical Cuisine" website, which rates the safety of different food additives. She emphasizes the complexity of identifying harmful substances based solely on ingredient names:

"It's hard to go just by the name alone because a chemically sounding name might not indicate a safety risk... much easier to use resources that break down the safety of each additive."
[14:11 – 15:28]

Personal Stories and Impact

Sorcher shares compelling anecdotes from families who have observed significant behavioral improvements in their children after eliminating synthetic dyes from their diets. These personal stories underscore the real-world impact of artificial food additives on children's health and development:

"Hearing some of the stories from individual families... how very clear it is that they'll have a story where they were having issues in a child and they pulled out the dyes. The issue's resolved."
[15:40]

Conclusions and Takeaways

The episode concludes with Sorcher urging the need for stronger federal regulation to protect consumers from harmful food additives. She advocates for the FDA to take decisive action based on scientific evidence rather than deferring to industry concerns:

"We need a strong science-based federal regulator to be stepping up and actually taking action to remove some of these dyes and give consumers the information they need."
[16:17]

Final Thoughts

Full Measure After Hours provides an in-depth examination of the risks associated with artificial food dyes, the regulatory shortcomings of the FDA, and the proactive measures some states are taking to safeguard public health. Through expert insights and real-life stories, the episode highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply.

Note: For a visual list of common foods containing controversial dyes and additional resources, listeners are encouraged to visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s website.