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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]What’s ironic is that he is in charge of HHS and he doesn’t believe in science or understand scientific research. He’s Trump’s creature.
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One doe not "believe" in science, as that implies "faith" and make it a religion.

REAL SCIENCE is 100% about being skeptical. Question everything. Constantly trying to DISPROVE EVERYTHING, that is the Scientific Method.

Science is not about finding "proof" it is about finding things that cannot be disproven, while continuously trying to disprove them. [/quote]

I am highly skeptical of all these data RFK jr is using to support his positions on food dyes. [/quote]

Good. Skepticism is good in Science and government.

Too many "yes men" who just go along with the crowd and the rich 1%/politicians/government/corporations.

That's why RFK is appealing to the public, he's asking questions and shaking things up. The more pushback he gets, the more popular he becomes.[/quote]

His position on dyes is not supported. Why is he making policy decisions based on unproven information?[/quote]

Even IF dyes were 100% safe, no question about it, God/Nature/Science/SpaceAliens/Thor all agreed they were safe, WHY would you still want unnecessary colorings in your food?[/quote]

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.[/quote]

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.

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