This interview-style podcast from NPR's Shortwave discusses the FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs. The discussion begins with the history of the dye, including a decades-long petition and studies showing its link to cancer in rats. The hosts then explore other synthetic food dyes, such as Red 40, and their potential links to behavioral issues in children, particularly in low-income communities where such dyes are more prevalent in affordable food options. The podcast concludes with advice for parents on how to navigate these issues, suggesting focusing on a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods and checking food labels for artificial dyes. The FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3 will not take effect until January 2027, giving manufacturers time to reformulate their products.
