Latest news with #RedNo.3
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This new law bans Red No. 40 from sale, distribution in Delaware schools. What to know
Delaware is the latest state to ban Red No. 40 in schools. Here's how the new law came about. Senate Bill 69 was introduced on March 11 by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-South Dover, and aims to protect students in the First State from the potential health risks associated with Food, Drug and Cosmetic Red No. 40, a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. It contains benzene, a cancer-causing substance. SB 69 prohibits the sale or distribution of foods and beverages containing Red No. 40 during the school day in Delaware school districts and charter schools. This includes items sold in vending machines on campus or served a la carte. Recent concerns over the impact of synthetic food dyes on children's health, including potential links to behavioral issues and hyperactivity, were cited as reasons for the proposed ban. SB 69 was signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer on May 22, with the restrictions on Red No. 40 to take effect by July 1, 2026, allowing schools and education officials time to prepare for the transition. This makes Delaware only the second state, behind California, to ban Red No. 40 in schools. At least six other states have introduced similar legislation. Senate Bill 41 is a similar bill in Delaware that aims to ban Red No. 3 statewide, another synthetic food dye. This bill has yet to be decided on. More on proposed Red No. 3 ban: Along with the FDA ban, Delaware legislators seek to ban use of Red No. 3 in the state Red No. 40 is widely used and found in a variety of foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, according to Healthline, including: Flavored milk Yogurt Pudding Ice cream Popsicles Cakes and other pastries Candy Gum Breakfast cereals and bars Fruit snacks Gelatin Chips Powdered drink mixes, including some protein powders Soda Sports drinks Energy drinks More legislation news: Medical aid in dying becomes law, Inspector General bill passes Senate: The Press Room If Red No. 40 is in a product, it will be listed on the label as: Red 40 Red 40 Lake FD&C Red No. 40 FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake Allura Red AC CI Food Red 17 INS No. 129 E129 Sidewalk parking violations: Wilmington officials address complaints about vehicles parked on sidewalk Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin atkgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Red No. 40 banned in Delaware schools, second US state to do so
Politico
22-05-2025
- Health
- Politico
MAHA report has food and farm industries on edge
Presented by Driving The Day SWEATING THE MAHA REPORT — A report expected today from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on childhood chronic diseases could spark tension between congressional Republicans and a health secretary whose plans to tighten food industry oversight could adversely impact farm and food companies, POLITICO's Carmen Paun reports. Republican lawmakers representing farm and food districts have warned Kennedy to lay off, but they and the industries they represent are still fretting over the report. They worry it will point to pesticides and food dyes as potential causes for kids' diseases and propose regulations that could cut profits and cost jobs. Even if Kennedy steers clear of regulatory proposals, they fear his report could dampen demand for the products their constituents make. Why it matters: What's inside the report could spell danger for how Kennedy will interact with certain Republicans who once endorsed President Donald Trump's decision to let Kennedy 'go wild' on health care. Lately, they've asked him pointed questions about what's coming in his Make America Healthy Again Commission's report. Kennedy has repeatedly argued that food companies make people sick for profit. At a Senate hearing this week, Kennedy told Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith that farmers have nothing to worry about from his report. He offered similar assurances to Republicans at a House hearing last week, including Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), whose Eastern Shore constituents use pesticides to protect their corn, soybeans, and wheat. 'We cannot make America healthy again without the partnership of the American farmers. We cannot be putting them out of business,' Kennedy told Harris. Other Republicans are all-in on Kennedy's plans. During a confirmation hearing earlier this year, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville told Kennedy he thought one common dye, Red No. 3, which is used in candy, drinks and chips, causes cancer. 'What in the heck's going on?' Tuberville asked. Whether Kennedy is successful in pursuing his goal of rooting out chemicals in our food will depend on whether he can win more such allies. What's in the report? Kennedy's report is expected to target pesticides as one of the many reasons for Americans' soaring rates of chronic disease, said one person familiar with the matter and granted anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly. Farm and food lobbyists are blowing up lawmakers' phones and ratcheting up spending as they seek to counter accusations from Kennedy and push back on the charges they fear his report will level. Farm groups are especially peeved that the administration has essentially brushed off their concerns about how the report will treat pesticides. 'Grower groups are becoming furious that we've asked for meetings and have heard nothing,' said one person close to the pressure campaign. WELCOME TO THURSDAY PULSE. New Jersey health officials warn about a potential measles exposure at a Shakira concert. Send your tips, scoops and feedback to ccirruzzo@ and khooper@ and follow along @ChelseaCirruzzo and @Kelhoops. Medicaid WHAT'S IN STORE FOR MEDICAID — In a bid to please hard-liners pushing for deeper cuts to Medicaid, House Republicans have made changes to President Donald Trump's 'big beautiful bill' that would significantly affect the program, POLITICO's Ben Leonard, Meredith Lee Hill and Robert King report. Amendments to the megabill released Wednesday night call for moving up the start date of Medicaid work requirements from Jan. 1, 2029, to Dec. 31, 2026. The work requirements included in the previous bill would yield nearly $280 billion in savings, according to congressional scorekeepers. The new accelerated timeline could lead to additional savings of tens of billions of dollars but also result in even more people losing coverage. The revisions would expand the criteria for states that could lose a portion of their federal payments if they offer coverage to undocumented people. It also moves to bar coverage of gender-affirming care for adults under the program, not just minors as previously proposed. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that a previous iteration of the bill could lead to 7.6 million people who had Medicaid going uninsured, and millions more from the Affordable Care Act marketplace also losing coverage. Those coverage losses are expected to be higher with this new version. The new amendments would make another notable change to Medicaid -— one that hard-liners hope would incentivize states to not expand their programs under the ACA after the legislation goes into effect. The wonky measures would give states a financial incentive not to expand coverage to people with higher incomes than traditional enrollees, though still near the poverty line. The policy would make higher payments to providers like hospitals for uncompensated care. One senior GOP aide described the provision as 'a small Medicaid tweak' that would give the hard-liners a reason to support the bill, along with several other minor changes. And in a major departure, the bill would fund cost-sharing reduction payments to insurers on Obamacare's insurance exchanges. The new bill doesn't include controversial changes hard-liners had pushed for that would alter the federal share of spending in the joint federal-state Medicaid program. The House Rules Committee voted to tee up the more than 1,000-page bill for overnight floor action late Wednesday, as GOP leaders race to call a passage vote before lawmakers are scheduled to leave town for a week-long Memorial Day. AROUND THE AGENCIES WILL VAX EUA BE REVOKED? Public health experts worry that if HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revokes the emergency use authorizations of Covid-19 vaccines, it would leave children — especially those who have weak immune systems — without a tool that can protect them from the virus while the vaccine applications undergo agency review, POLITICO's David Lim reports. Pfizer and Moderna have asked the FDA to fully approve their Covid shots for kids ages 6 months to 11 years. But FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, one of Kennedy's top deputies and the regulator in charge of vaccines, has expressed concern that data is insufficient to understand whether the benefits of giving the shot to young, healthy children outweigh the risks. Asked about Kennedy's plans for the emergency authorizations, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in an email: 'HHS will ensure the Gold Standard of Science is met.' Background: On Tuesday, Makary unveiled a new framework for Covid vaccines that could make it difficult for vaccine makers to quickly obtain approval for young, healthy children. But Kennedy allies have signaled that they want him to go further. Mary Holland, CEO at the anti-vaccine group where Kennedy worked for years, Children's Health Defense, told POLITICO last week the group continues to believe 'that there is no justification for children getting Covid vaccines' and would support Kennedy if he pulled the emergency use authorizations for the shots. Arthur Caplan, a New York University professor of medical ethics, said that if Kennedy used his authority as HHS secretary to pull the EUAs for Covid vaccines, it would prompt an immediate fight over children's access to the shots. 'I expect Kennedy to use this in an attempt to impose what I consider an unscientific and probably unethical bar to jump over for Covid vaccines,' Caplan said, noting that kids with weak immune systems are at risk from the virus. Covid vaccine manufacturers are pressing forward with applications seeking full approval, or licensure. FDA ASKS PFIZER, MODERNA TO UPDATE WARNING LABELS — The FDA has asked the makers of the mRNA Covid-19 vaccines to expand the warning labels on their products to include the risk of a rare heart injury side effect, according to two letters posted by the FDA on Wednesday. The letters, first reported by CBS News, came on the same day a Senate panel invited vaccine skeptics to the Hill to weigh in on how 'health officials downplayed' the adverse effect of myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. Context: The FDA added a warning to Covid vaccine fact sheets in 2021 about myocarditis after a CDC safety panel determined a 'likely association' between the mRNA shots and the condition. The CDC says cases are rare but occur most often in young males. In the letters sent to Pfizer and Moderna in April, the FDA asked the vaccine makers to expand the age group with the highest risk. Moderna's current label warns of a high risk in males ages 18 through 24 years. Pfizer's label says the highest risk is in males 12 through 17. The FDA is asking companies to expand the warning to males ages 16 through 25. 'Americans deserve radical transparency around the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines and the FDA is delivering on their promise to do just that. Pfizer and Moderna should take steps to ensure that individuals are aware of COVID vaccine related adverse events resulting in myocarditis and pericarditis in their Spikevax and Comirnaty vaccines,' HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement. Neither company responded to requests for comment. In Congress FORMER OFFICIAL: PROVIDER TAX NOT A SCAM — A former health official for two red states has warned conservative lawmakers against freezing taxes on health providers amid lawmakers' efforts to finalize President Donald Trump's domestic policy megabill, Robert reports. Key context: Conservative GOP lawmakers and think tanks accuse states of using a loophole to levy taxes on hospitals as a loophole to get more federal money from the federal government — a practice they say is akin to legal 'money laundering.' The legislation would freeze current provider tax rates and place a moratorium on new provider taxes. But hospital groups and states disagree, arguing that provider taxes keep rural hospitals afloat. Red states — and Trump voters — in particular might suffer. 'It is a real problem if you change these programs without thinking through how they affect rural communities,' said Alan Levine, who previously led health agencies in Florida and Louisiana under Republican governors and now serves as president and CEO of the hospital system Ballad Health, which has rural hospitals across parts of Appalachia. In an interview with POLITICO Magazine, Levine argued the taxes aren't a scam, but a tool for states to help rural and underserved hospitals with high Medicare and Medicaid populations that already run on thin margins. How he combated waste, fraud and abuse in Florida and Louisiana health programs: 'In both states, I worked collaboratively with the attorneys general and cracked down on Medicaid fraud.… A lot of our efforts were using computer mechanisms and technology that is ancient compared to what they have today. 'To the naked eye, when you are processing 160 million claims a year, it is not easy to catch that. 'With the use of technology, which I think [CMS Administrator Mehmet] Oz is committed to, I think you can catch a lot of those schemes and get those bad players out of the program.' WHAT WE'RE READING Bloomberg reports on how CVS is trying to boost vaccine sales. The New York Times reports on a blood test for Alzheimer's.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ziploc Is Being Sued Over Claims Its Bags Release Harmful Microplastics Into Food
Earlier this year, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on Red No. 3 in food and drinks, a move many felt was a step in the right direction regarding industry standards. Not long after, however, the FDA announced it would be temporarily halting its milk testing program, a change that drew criticism from food safety experts. Now, as grocery prices continue to rise, consumers are paying more attention than ever to their shopping carts. Recently, a class action lawsuit was filed against Wheat Thins, accusing the brand of misrepresenting its ingredients. Now, a popular storage bag brand is under fire after allegedly failing to disclose the risks of its products. On April 25, 2025, a lawsuit was filed against Ziploc, an S.C. Johnson-owned brand. The lawsuit, filed by Linda Cheslow, alleges that certain Ziploc bags are labeled as 'microwave safe' and suitable for 'freezer' use, giving shoppers the impression they were safe to use in those ways. Cheslow, however, believes the brand is misleading customers and putting them at risk for microplastic consumption. An issue, the plaintiff says, is made worse by Ziploc's claim that its products are reusable. 'These products are made from polyethylene and polypropylene—materials that scientific and medical evidence shows release microplastics when microwaved and frozen—making them fundamentally unfit for microwave and freezer use,' reads page four of the lawsuit document. Polyethylene and polypropylene are two common food-grade plastic materials used in the production of kitchen goods, including cutting boards, storage containers, and cling wrap, to name a few. When exposed to extreme temperatures, such as heat or cold, they have been found to release microplastics, which can leach into food. Microplastics, while invisible to the naked eye, have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including increased cancer risk, immune dysfunction, and inflammation. Cheslow believes that the company is putting families at risk by failing to disclose this information, and it's doing so 'for profit and to gain an unfair competitive edge in the marketplace.' S.C. Johnson has denied these claims, and litigation is ongoing. This is a class action lawsuit, meaning that it was filed on behalf of all who have purchased the product. At this time, there is no action consumers need to take. In the future, you may be able to file a claim and receive a monetary reward if a settlement fund is established. The products in question include, but are not limited to: Ziploc Freezer Bags Pint Ziploc Freezer Bags Quart Freezer Bags Gallon Ziploc Slider Freezer Bags Quart Ziploc Slider Freezer Gallon Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Quart Ziploc Slider Storage Bags Gallon Ziploc Containers Additionally, consumers may find photos of the products beginning on page nine of the lawsuit documents. Be sure to take note of which products are included when you compile your receipts and stay up to date as the case proceeds. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES
Business Wire
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
NSF Research Shows Americans Demand Greater Clarity and Standardization in Food Labeling
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization, today released key findings from a survey focused on understanding the effectiveness of US food labeling and its role in consumer decisions. 'Health and wellness continue to be a focus for most consumers, and with the growing popularity of label-review apps and lack of critical food labeling information in e-commerce, NSF's research demonstrates that many consumers are reading labels with a more critical eye,' said Michelle Anstey, Regulatory Manager at NSF. 'The food industry must respond to these evolving consumer demands, prioritizing more transparent, accessible and reliable labeling practices as regulations are updated and introduced.' The research, which surveyed 1,000 Americans, highlights several challenges, including a lack of confidence in food labels, desired improvements in labeling and the need for standardized sustainability metrics. Key Findings: Labels are a key touchpoint: 83% of US consumers read food labels before making a purchase decision. 64% pay more attention to labels compared to five years ago. When reading food labels, adults first look for the expiration date (86%), ingredients list (79%), health claims (78%), allergen warnings (77%) and country of origin (77%) At the same time, confidence is lacking: Only 16% of adults find health claims very trustworthy. Just 37% rate food labeling in the US better than labeling in other countries. Consumers want clearer labels: 1 in 5 struggle to interpret nutritional information on food labels. Respondents want to see more detailed processing information (82%) and comprehensive allergen information (80%) on the food they're purchasing. Sustainability is top-of-mind: 67% consider sustainability factors important in food purchasing decisions yet only 39% feel current food labels adequately address sustainability. 69 % would like to see ethical sourcing information on product labels. 'NSF's consumer survey results point us in the right direction as we revisit and improve food labeling in 2025,' added Anstey. 'By improving transparency and standardization, we can better communicate with consumers and support a more sustainable, trustworthy food supply chain.' Easy to interpret, validated food labeling can help consumers make educated decisions related to diet and well-being. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 68% of people recognize healthy eating habits as an important factor in improving a person's chance for a long and healthy life. 1 Recent regulations emphasize the increased criticism of food labels among consumers, including bans of some chemicals of concern, such as Red No. 3, in some states, as well as the proposal for an FDA rule that would require front-of-package nutritional information. NSF supports food manufacturers and retailers with innovative solutions that meet consumer expectations and regulatory labeling requirements. The organization also validates health claims, such as Organic, non-GMO, Gluten-Free, plant based, Raised Without Antibiotics and more, helping businesses to differentiate their products while increasing sales. Download the white paper. NSF NSF is an independent, global services organization dedicated to improving human and planet health for more than 80 years by developing public health standards and providing world-class testing, inspection, certification, advisory services and digital solutions to the food, nutrition, water, life sciences and consumer goods industries. NSF serves 40,000 clients in 110 countries and is a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety. 1 Alarming trends call for action to define the future role of food in nation's health, American Heart Association, 2024
CNET
13-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Say Goodbye to Red Dye No. 3 and Hello to FDA-Approved Natural Food Dyes
The US Food and Drug Administration officially banned Red dye No. 3, a popular food coloring tied to thyroid cancer, in January of this year. Although the decision marks the beginning of the end for the additive, manufacturers still have time to phase it out of their products. On May 9, the FDA announced the approval of three natural food colors derived from natural sources: red algae, butterfly pea flower and calcium phosphate. Here's everything to know about the synthetic red dye and the newly approved natural dyes. What is Red No. 3? Red No. 3 -- also known as FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine or Red 3 -- is a synthetic dye that is made from petroleum and adds a "bright, cherry-red color" to the products it is added to. In 1990, the FDA banned Red No. 3 in cosmetics, but no law barred the synthetic dye from being added to numerous types of foods and drinks in the decades that followed. The FDA cited the Delaney Clause as its reasoning behind the ban, which "prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals." Although studies did show a link to cancer in laboratory rats, a link between the dye and cancer in humans has not been found. "While there are studies noting carcinogenicity in male rats, the FDA noted in their announcement that the hormonal mechanism through which the dye caused cancer in rats is specific to the animal and does not occur in humans," Bryan Hitchcock, chief science and technology officer of the Institute of Food Technologists, told CNET. Hitchcock added that the studies used large amounts of the dye, which is more than what the average human would consume when eating the foods that contain it. "Studies testing Red No. 3 for human safety have done so at amounts well above the average amount of consumption, as noted by various global regulatory bodies," he says. "The studies referenced by the FDA note that the rats were given roughly 200 times the likely maximum daily consumption of .25 mg/kg of body weight per day." Foods that contain Red No. 3 Here are 9 common types of foods that contain Red No. 3: Candy Cupcakes Cookies Frozen desserts Frostings Icings Certain Maraschino cherries Certain processed meats and meat substitutes Red No. 3 has previously been banned in other countries, including items that currently have Red No. 3 on their ingredient list are: Numerous types of Brach's candy, including Classic Jelly Beans, Spiced Jelly Beans and Conversation Hearts MorningStar Farms Plant-Based Bacon Strips Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Dessert Bars Pez candy According to a list compiled by some drugs that have Red No. 3 include: Acetaminophen Doxycycline Monohydrate Gabapentin Vyvanse The Environmental Working Group has compiled a searchable database of food products that use the now-banned dye. As of April 29, 2025, the site had collected 3,225 products that list Red No. 3 as an ingredient. When do companies need to remove Red No. 3 from products? Despite the ban, don't expect to see the Red No. 3 ingredient disappear from ingredient lists too quickly. According to the FDA, companies have a couple of years to remove it from their products. "Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products," the FDA statement reads. What will replace Red No. 3? Red Dye No. 3 will soon be replaced by food coloring made from beets and other natural ingredients. istetiana/Getty Images Givaudan Sense Colour, a manufacturing company that creates natural food and drink colorings, highlighted three possible alternatives to Red No. 3 -- carmine, which is made from bugs; betacyanins, found in beetroots; and anthocyanins, derived from fruits and vegetables. California Assembly member Jesse Gabriel told NBC News that although synthetic dyes can be cheaper than other alternatives, he does not believe that the Red No. 3 ban will cause prices of the affected products to change. "We don't expect the price of any food to increase," he told the outlet. New natural food dyes approved by the FDA In May of this year, the FDA approved three natural food dye colors. The first is Galdieria extract blue, which is derived from a species of red algae. According to a press release, this food color has been approved to be added to "nonalcoholic beverages and beverage bases, fruit drinks, fruit smoothies, fruit juices, vegetable juices, dairy-based smoothies, milk shakes and flavored milks, yogurt drinks, milk-based meal replacement and nutritional beverages, breakfast cereal coatings, hard candy, soft candy and chewing gum." Butterfly pea flower has also been approved to create blues, purples and greens. This popular natural food dye is already used in sports drinks, teas, alcoholic beverages and more. However, the new approval now allows the dye to be used in "ready-to-eat cereals, crackers, snack mixes, hard pretzels, plain potato chips (restructured or baked), plain corn chips, tortilla chips and multigrain chips." Lastly, the mineral, chlorine phosphate, and its white color has been approved for "ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar and sugar for coated candies," per the release. Will Red 40 be banned? The FDA has not yet banned red dye No. 40, but discussions are ongoing. According to a press release from April 22, 2025, the FDA plans to eventually phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which include Red No. 40. Are other syntethic food colorings safe? After the Red No. 3 ban, there are now eight approved color additives (but this may change under the current administration). They are FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6. Hitchcock says that so far, studies show that there is not a notable risk to consuming these dyes. "While science tells us that there is little to no risk in consuming other synthetic dyes, it is important that we continue to monitor and evaluate food ingredient safety," he says. "It is paramount that we continue to invest in more scientific research around the health of our foods to ensure safety and provide peace of mind for consumers." According to the FDA, the above dyes do not pose the same possible risks as Red No. 3, which is why they are still available for use in the US. But, some studies show possible links between certain dyes and potential health conditions. For example, some studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but further studies are still needed to determine a direct link between the dye and the condition. When asked about the safety of other food dyes, Hitchcock highlighted the need for transparency from the FDA, which he says the agency has been addressing. "We believe there needs to be a clear framework for post-market review for food additive safety," Hitchcock says. "The FDA is actively working to address this issue as seen in their Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the FDA's Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food. IFT believes that the FDA needs to bring forward a post-market assessment of chemical food safety that is transparent, scientifically grounded, constituent informed and timely." If a drink looks too red to be natural, it probably is. Images Does food coloring have a taste? Most foods contain food coloring in such small amounts that you won't notice a specific taste. However, some food coloring brands, types or certain colors (like red) may taste slightly bitter if a lot is used. The bottom line on Red No. 3 Red No. 3 has been fully banned in the US, but will continue to be used in food for the next two years as manufacturers work to change their recipes. However, some manufacturers are making changes much more quickly than that. In an email to CBS News, Keurig Dr Pepper said that a "new formula" for Yoo-hoo Strawberry Flavored Drink, which is currently made with Red No. 3 to help achieve its color, "will be on shelves before the end of the year."
