766: Banned Foods | Skeptical Sunday

EU Regulations

The European Union has stringent regulations on food additives that are still allowed in the United States. David C. Smalley highlights chemicals like BHA and BHT, which are banned in parts of the EU and Japan due to their potential carcinogenic effects 1. He also discusses potassium bromate, commonly found in bleached flour, which is linked to cancer and banned in many countries but still prevalent in the US 2. Jordan Harbinger emphasizes the need for more rigorous testing and regulation in the US to align with global standards 1.

You'd think it would be enough that several other countries are banning the products, but America just doesn't seem to give a damn.

--- David C. Smalley

The discussion underscores the disparity in food safety standards between the US and other countries.

   

Other Regulations

Other countries like Australia and New Zealand also have stricter food safety regulations compared to the US. David points out that certain food dyes banned in these countries due to their toxic effects are still widely used in the US 3. He also mentions ractopamine, a drug used to promote leanness in pigs, which is banned in 160 countries but allowed in the US despite its severe health risks 4. Jordan questions why the FDA has not implemented stricter regulations to protect consumers 4.

The FDA approved ractopamine for use on pigs after just one human health study, and in the study, they only evaluated six people.

--- David C. Smalley

This highlights the need for more comprehensive food safety measures in the US.