FDA to "phase out" food dyes in these snacks | April 24, 2025

Summary

In this CNN 10 segment, Koi Wire covers a variety of topics, including the FDA's plan to phase out artificial petroleum-based dyes in foods like cereals and candies due to health concerns, and the eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano. The show also highlights a dangerous wildfire in New Jersey, teen fishermen saving a driver from a river, and a fun fact about butterflies tasting food with their feet. Additionally, a heartfelt farewell to Mrs. Schmidt, a retiring teacher, concludes the show. With a mix of science, safety, and uplifting moments, it's a dynamic and engaging episode.

Takeaways

• 😀 The FDA is working to phase out artificial petroleum-based dyes in food products due to health concerns, including potential cancer risks in animals and behavioral issues in children.
• 😀 Some synthetic food dyes, derived from petroleum, are used to make products like cereals and candies more visually appealing, despite having no nutritional function.
• 😀 Research indicates that natural dyes, such as those from watermelon juice, carrot juice, and blueberry juice, could replace petroleum-based dyes in many products globally.
• 😀 Red dye #3, which has been linked to cancer in animals for over 30 years, has been banned in some contexts, prompting further investigations into other artificial dyes.
• 😀 Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses the precautionary principle and the move toward using safer, natural alternatives to synthetic dyes in food products.
• 😀 In a pop quiz segment, the planet Venus is revealed to have the most volcanoes in the solar system, with 85,000 volcanoes, followed by Earth, Jupiter, and Mars.
• 😀 Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano has been erupting, sending lava 650 feet into the air, though the lava is no longer a danger to local residents, only to tourists.
• 😀 A wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has scorched thousands of acres and threatened over 1,300 structures, including parts of the Garden State Parkway, forcing evacuations.
• 😀 Meteorologist Derek Vanam explains how drought and lack of rain in New Jersey contributed to the wildfire's spread, but increased humidity from a cold front is expected to help control the fire.
• 😀 A heartwarming story about teens rescuing a driver who lost control of their car and got swept into a river. They used a rope to pull the driver to safety before authorities arrived.

Q & A

Why is the FDA planning to phase out some artificial dyes used in foods?

The FDA plans to phase out artificial dyes due to health concerns. These synthetic dyes, derived from petroleum, have raised issues related to their impact on health, with research suggesting potential links to cancer and behavioral problems in children.

What is the primary function of artificial dyes in foods?

Artificial dyes serve a cosmetic purpose in foods. They make products like cereals and candies visually attractive, enhancing their appeal even though the dyes have no nutritional or functional role.

What is the concern about petroleum-based dyes, especially red dye 3 and red dye 40?

The concern is that petroleum-based dyes like red dye 3 and red dye 40 may be linked to cancer in animals. Red dye 3 has already been banned in some applications due to its carcinogenic potential, and other dyes are now under scrutiny for similar risks.

How do natural food coloring alternatives differ from petroleum-based dyes?

Natural food colorings, such as watermelon juice, carrot juice, or blueberry juice, are used to replace petroleum-based dyes. While these natural colorants may not be as vibrant or stable, they are considered safer and are already used in countries like Europe and Canada.

What are the potential behavioral impacts of synthetic food dyes on children?

There is concern that synthetic food dyes could lead to behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity and other developmental concerns. However, the exact relationship between the dyes and these problems remains unclear.

Which planet in our solar system has the most volcanoes, and how many are there?

Venus has the most volcanoes in our solar system, with an estimated 85,000 volcanoes. Some of these volcanoes were active as recently as the early 1990s, based on data from NASA's Mellin mission.

What is the current eruption situation at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano?

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is currently erupting, with lava reaching heights of up to 650 feet. This is the 18th eruption since the volcano became active again in December 2024. While the lava poses no immediate danger to residents, tourists are advised to stay away due to high sulfur dioxide levels and volcanic glass fragments.

What caused the wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, and how extensive was the damage?

The wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, was fueled by dry vegetation due to drought conditions and a lack of rain. Over 8,000 acres were burned, threatening hundreds of structures and prompting thousands of evacuations. The fire also impacted major highways like the Garden State Parkway.

How did the firefighters and emergency services respond to the wildfire in New Jersey?

Firefighters and emergency services worked extensively to control the wildfire, which was exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. The arrival of a cold front and increased humidity is expected to help extinguish the flames, while rain is anticipated to bring relief.

What unusual method do butterflies use to taste food, and why is it unique?

Butterflies taste food using sensors on their feet, as they lack mouthparts capable of chewing. This unique method allows them to taste the food they land on before feeding, using their feet as the sensory organs.