Are Food Dyes Really Bad For You?
17:02 minutes
Subscribe to Science Friday
What do Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, lime Jell-O, and Kraft Creamy French Salad dressing have in common? They’ve all gotten a glow-up from artificial food dyes. Petroleum-based food dyes have become a target of RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda—but what does science say about their effects on health?
Joining Host Flora Lichtman to discuss is Asa Bradman, an expert in the health effects of food dyes and other things we’re exposed to in our environment.
Further Reading
- Read about how the FDA has approved new food dyes as part of the plan to phase out petroleum-based dyes via CBS News.
Sign Up For The Week In Science Newsletter
Keep up with the week’s essential science news headlines, plus stories that offer extra joy and awe.
Segment Guests
Asa Bradman
Dr. Asa Bradman is a professor of public health at the University of California Merced based in Merced, California.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Kathleen Davis
Kathleen Davis is a producer and fill-in host at Science Friday, which means she spends her weeks researching, writing, editing, and sometimes talking into a microphone. She’s always eager to talk about freshwater lakes and Coney Island diners.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.