A significant milestone is approaching in the world of food safety. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, or JECFA, is set to hold its 100th meeting in 2025. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the food we eat is safe. It does this by evaluating various substances that might end up in our food, whether intentionally added or not. Thes...
In a recent conversation, a high-profile figure in health policy discussed several pressing issues. This individual, now heading a major health department, has had a change of heart regarding the measles vaccine. Previously, this person had downplayed the vaccine's importance and even made inaccurate claims about its safety. However, during a recent interview, they u...
West Virginia has taken a significant step in promoting public health by banning seven artificial food dyes and two preservatives. This move is part of a growing trend across the United States to reduce the use of synthetic additives in food and drinks. The ban includes Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2,...
You might be surprised to know that tiny differences in how our bodies process certain food additives can lead to big differences in safety. Take methyleugenol (ME) and its cousin, methylisoeugenol (MIE), for example. Both are used in foods, but one's classified as a potential carcinogen, while the other's considered safe. Scientists recently found out why ME is mor...
Red 3, also known as erythrosine, could soon vanish from your favorite foods and medicines. This artificial coloring, linked to thyroid cancer in animals and hyperactivity in kids, is under review by the FDA. Despite being banned in cosmetics, it's still used in various snacks like Dubble Bubble gum and Nestle strawberry milk, and even in drugs like Tylenol PM. Some ...
You might not realize it, but the little extras in your food could be affecting the tiny creatures living inside you. Emulsifiers and sweeteners, along with other ingredients, can make food taste better and last longer. However, these additives might also be impacting the microbes in your gut. These microbes play a crucial role in your overall health. Scientists have...
You might be surprised to learn that some common food additives could be harming your health. A California doctor, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, has been spreading the word about three potentially dangerous chemicals often found in processed foods in the United States. These additives are a big deal because many people, especially kids, eat a lot of processed food. In fact, mo...
The story of Nerds Gummy Clusters is a tale of obsession, addiction, and the power of candy to bring people together. It's a story that highlights the complexities of human desire and the ways in which we seek comfort and pleasure in the darkest of times. But it's also a story that raises important questions about the impact of our consumption habits on our health an...
We all know sugar isn't great for us, but did you know it's hiding in places you'd least expect? It's not just in candy and soda, it's sneaking into sauces, dips, spreads, even salad dressings and protein bars! How can we possibly avoid it? The answer, according to Dr. Donald Hensrud, director of the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, lies in becoming a label detec...