The irony of RFK Jr
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
I had eliminated food dyes from our diet for years and then did a deep dive on the research. They really aren’t that bad for you. There are much, much worse things in our food chain. I’d start with getting rid of antibiotics in animals, increase monitoring for bacterial contamination, increase research on the harms of monoculture (eg if we are only eating on variety of wheat, there are effects on our body of that lack of diversity), and figure out a way to minimize plastics in our food chain (probably the most important but also the most difficult because there are significant trade offs with expense and transport of certain products like berries that are very good for you). Food dyes would be way way way down the list, and I think almost all educated food scientists would say the same. But RFK isn’t very bright, doesn’t understand scientists, and gets obsessed with certain ideas that he then won’t abandon. So here we are. |
Anonymous
|
I worked for a paint mfg for 10 years. Titanium dioxide is a key ingredient in higher end white paints. It is a colorant that makes white really really white. Cheaper white paints have less to zero titanium dioxide.
I don’t want an ingredient that we put on our interior and exterior walls of our house in my food supply. Titanium dioxide is extensively used in making prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and processed foods all to make these items sparkling white. I am team RFK 100%. |
Anonymous
Your argument downplays the potential risks of food dyes while prioritizing other food chain issues, but it overlooks key evidence and dismisses concerns too hastily. Food Dyes and Health Risks: While you claim food dyes "aren't that bad," research suggests otherwise. Studies, like those published in Environmental Health Perspectives (2016), link synthetic dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children, particularly those with ADHD. The FDA acknowledges potential risks, requiring warnings in some countries (e.g., EU). Long-term effects, including carcinogenicity, remain understudied, as noted in a 2021 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology review. Dismissing dyes as benign ignores this uncertainty and the precautionary principle. Relative Harm Argument: You argue that antibiotics, bacterial contamination, monoculture, and plastics are worse, but this creates a false hierarchy. Food dyes are pervasive in processed foods, affecting millions daily, whereas issues like antibiotic resistance, while serious, are more systemic and less immediate in consumer exposure. The cumulative impact of dyes—consumed regularly by children—warrants scrutiny, especially since they’re often non-essential additives. Monoculture and Plastics: Your focus on monoculture’s harms (e.g., wheat diversity) lacks specificity and evidence tying it to acute health outcomes compared to dyes. Plastics are a valid concern, but microplastics’ health impacts are still emerging, whereas dye-related behavioral effects are better documented. Prioritizing plastics over dyes doesn’t negate the need to address both. Food Scientist Consensus: You claim "almost all educated food scientists" dismiss dye concerns, but this is an overgeneralization. Scientists like those at the Center for Science in the Public Interest have long advocated for stricter dye regulations, citing health risks. The debate is far from settled, and your assertion ignores dissenting expert voices. RFK Critique: Labeling RFK as "not very bright" and "obsessed" is ad hominem and irrelevant to the science. His advocacy, while sometimes overstated, aligns with legitimate concerns raised by researchers and consumer groups. Dismissing him outright avoids engaging with the evidence he references. In conclusion, while antibiotics, plastics, and other issues are critical, food dyes aren’t as harmless as you suggest. Their widespread use, potential health impacts, and non-essential nature justify higher scrutiny than you assign. Addressing them doesn’t preclude tackling other food chain problems—both can and should be priorities. |
Anonymous
|
I am the prior poster.
Colorants like titanium dioxide are added to our food supply, our prescription drugs, and our OTC drugs for marketing purposes only. Titanium dioxide is not a food. There is no reason for us to be ingesting products with titanium dioxide. Again, I don’t want to eat foods that have ingredients that we used to paint our interior and exterior walls. |
Anonymous
|
Mankind ate food without petroleum based food dyes since millennia. Other than “marketing “ there is no reason for food dyes to be in our foods.
Titanium dioxide makes baked goods whiter, nsaid pills sparkling white, and even cheeses whiter. It makes prescription pill tablets, sparkling, and shiny white.. Ever since I worked at the paint factory, I stopped eating foods that have titanium dioxide and other food dyes. |
Anonymous
|
Prior to the 1960s food dyes were rare. In the 1960’s tang, Hawaiian Punch, Gatorade, and Kool Aid were all introduced. This products were heavily marketed as being modern.
They were rife with food dyes. This products were all marketed to children. |
Anonymous
Thanks for pointing this out. |
Anonymous
Enjoy your salmonella and E Coli. |
Anonymous
Isn't titanium dioxide extremely stable? That's why we replaced the lead oxide in paint with it. |
Anonymous
I can't understand wtf he is saying half the time. |
Anonymous
Ok, but you didn't say why titanium dioxide is bad. I mean, maybe it is, but there are plenty of things that you ingest that are also in things you wouldn't ingest. |
Anonymous
| Banning food dyes is a good start. While I’m certainly not a huge RFK fan, I’m thankful someone is working to clean up our food supply. It’s way overdue and I hope dyes are just the start. |
Anonymous
Agreed that some of this is needed. However, when you go down this road you will see this will make food much more expensive. I don't mind, but apparently the voters did when they made the choices they made last November. |
Anonymous
Cool, stop obsessing about dyes then if you like them, there are other concerns to be addressed so bring them to his attention. |
Anonymous
That was never an issue, just a talking point for diversion. |