Exploring Food Dyes: Keeping You Informed

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health Season 8, Episode 18 During this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley chats with Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, about artificial and natural food dyes: what they are, the many places they are found, and how they are regulated. They discuss the findings that link synthetic dye exposure to behavioral and brain development effects in some children (including those with and without ADHD), the FDA’s January 2025 ban on Red Dye No. 3 and its phase-out deadline, and why ongoing research matters. Practical takeaways include checking ingredient labels for FD&C and dye numbers, favoring whole foods, using natural color sources and infused water, and staying informed as regulations evolve. For more information: Food Dyes: What should we know? Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS. Kentucky Extension Offices UK FCS Extension           Website           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel