The FDA's top food official says the safety of the dye called Red 40 hasn't been assessed in over a decade, despite concerns over its potential behavioral health effects.
The article from MSN discusses Red 40, a synthetic dye commonly used in food, beverages, and cosmetics to impart a bright red color. Despite its widespread use, Red 40 has been linked to several health concerns, including potential behavioral issues in children like hyperactivity, and other symptoms like skin rashes and allergies. Although some countries have banned or restricted Red 40, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not prohibited its use, citing that the evidence linking Red 40 to adverse health effects is not conclusive enough to warrant a ban. The FDA continues to monitor research on food dyes, but as of now, Red 40 remains approved for use in the U.S. The article also touches on the ongoing debate about the safety of artificial food dyes, with some experts and consumer groups advocating for stricter regulations or outright bans due to the precautionary principle, while others argue that the current levels of use are safe based on existing scientific data.
Science & Technology
