‘Toxic soup': Food dyes set for US phase out under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. health push still on Aussie shelves
Announced this week, the move away from artificial to natural colouring alternatives is expected to affect a wide range of US products that includes the famously bright, rainbow coloured Skittles.
'For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,' FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said at a press conference discussing the move.
He said the FDA would work with industry to eliminate food dyes Green No. 3 (known in Australia as Fast Green FCF), Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) , Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow No. 6 (Sunset yellow FCF), Blue No. 1 Brilliant Blue FCF), and Blue No. 2 (Indigotine) by the end of next year.
The FDA will also revoke authorisation within months for synthetic colourings Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B — which are already banned in Australia — and speed up the planned removal of Red Dye 3, which is permitted only in limited foods in Australia, including preserved cherries and icing/frosting, sooner than already planned.
It's expected the US changes will require a potentially costly overhaul of recipes and their new look may affect their attractiveness to consumers.
A spokesperson for FSANZ said it was aware of the FDA announcement, but said that the six new dyes targeted by the FDA were not harmful in the quantities allowed in the Australian food supply.
'The six colours in the FDA statement are all permitted under Schedule 16 of the Code under defined conditions of use in specific foods,' the spokesperson said.
'FSANZ surveys show that dietary exposure to food colours remains far below the acceptable daily intake, with levels under 5 per cent even including for children. These findings confirm there is no public health concern related to the use of approved food colours.'
In Australia, food dyes are required to undergo a safety assessment by FSANZ before being added to food and drinks sold. A safety limit is set to ensure no-one will be able to eat the additive to an unsafe level.
Backlash against artificial colours has been brewing in the US for more than a decade but the industry argues that claims the dyes were dangerous lack evidence.
Last month, newly appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told top food executives that removing artificial dyes from the food system was an urgent priority of the Trump administration.
He has previously used Kellogg's Froot Loops as his primary example when railing against artificial colourants.
Under his so-called Make America Healthy Again platform he has argued a corrupt alliance of drug and food companies and the federal health agencies that regulate them are making Americans less healthy.
He has pledged to end the chronic disease epidemic in children and adults, and has been vocal about making nutritious food, rather than drugs, central to that goal.
Rather than an outright ban, Mr Makary said the FDA would work with industry to do it voluntarily.
Mr Makary said the agency plans to authorise four additional colour additives using natural ingredients in the coming weeks, while also expediting the review and approval of other natural ingredient colours.
He cited a Lancet study that concluded that artificial colours in the diet 'result in increased hyperactivity'.
'The F in FDA stands for food,' he said. 'Now, there's no one ingredient that accounts for the child chronic disease epidemic. And let's be honest, taking petroleum-based food dyes out of the food supply is not a silver bullet that will instantly make America's children healthy, but it is one important step.'
— with CNBC
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mercury
6 hours ago
- Mercury
Prescient advances cancer drug to unlock value
Prescient at critical stage of development with phase 2a trial underway for PTX-100 PTX-100 granted orphan drug and fast track designations by the US FDA, unlocking benefits Focus on advancing PTX-100 to potential registrational phase 2b trial to open commercial opportunities Special Report: Prescient Therapeutics has entered a critical stage where clinical data, regulatory support, and commercial potential begin to converge in a defining moment for a biotech company aiming to bring a new therapy to market. Prescient Therapeutics (ASX:PTX) is in phase 2a trial for its lead compound PTX-100 in patients with rare blood cancer relapsed/refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (r/r CTCL) with the potential for its phase 2b arm to be registrational. PTX-100 is a first-in-class compound with the ability to block an important cancer growth enzyme geranylgeranyl transferase-1 (GGT-1). It is believed to be the only GGT-1 inhibitor in the world in clinical development. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted PTX-100 orphan drug designation (ODD) for all T-cell lymphomas and fast-track designation for treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory mycosis fungoides, the most common subtype of CTCL. Fast Track designation provides an expedited pathway to approval, with orphan drug designation offering market exclusivity for a period of seven years in the US. 'The aim is to improve the quality of life for people suffering from this terrible form of cancer and getting them the therapy they need as fast as possible,' CEO James McDonnell said. 'It's also an incentive for larger pharmaceuticals who are looking to add to their portfolio as the drug progresses through clinical development.' Potential regulatory trial for PTX-100 McDonnell is focused on getting PTX-100 through the phase 2a trial with the potential to make the second phase 2b arm a registration study. 'Fast Track designation opens a dialogue with the FDA for companies to provide ongoing trial updates, instead of a lengthy review at the end, to expedite therapies to patients who desperately need them,' he said. 'All we need to do is replicate the Phase 1b results, if the FDA agrees, they could potentially authorise Phase 2b as a registration study.' In the phase 1b trial PTX-100 delivered a 45% overall response rate and 64% clinical benefit in T-cell lymphoma, with just 4% serious side effects – well below the 30% benchmark. 'The first step now is to progress Phase 2a where we can define a dose which will also have some efficacy and safety data,' McDonnell said 'The registrational study means we are closer to approval and the momentum for PTX-100 really starts to accelerate and excitement grows on the commercial front.' Watch: James McDonnell discusses the first US site for the Phase 2a trial of PTX-100. Eyes on the commercialisation prize With over 27,000 new TCL cases every year, in eight major centres, PTX is targeting a market worth ~US$1.8 billion. Commercialisation of PTX-100 will become a key focus for Prescient if it advances to a registrational study, with all options on the table – including partnership, licensing, or taking the drug to market independently. 'We are confident in how PTX-100 could change the lives of thousands, we need the data now to back that confidence and provide the market a clear indication of the value the therapy can provide,' he said. 'PTX-100 is a first-in-class therapy with a unique mechanism of action which has shown very good results in the Phase 1b study. 'These results have exceeded our benchmarks and compare well to the available therapies on efficacy, duration and a safety perspective.' McDonnell said that Dimerix (ASX:DXB) was a great example of what a potential commercial pathway could look like for Prescient if Phase 2b became a registrational trial. Dimerix is advancing its lead candidate DMX-200 through the ACTION3 phase 3 trial for the rare kidney disease FSGS and has secured four regional licensing agreements to drive commercialisation. 'They were able to take orphan drug designated therapy DMX-200, which is currently in a phase 3 registration study, into significant licensing agreements worth approximately $1.4 billion,' he said. 'Dimerix have highlighted how these milestones, FDA designation and registrational study, can open commercialisation opportunities and drive value creation.' McDonnell said in biotech it often comes down to two questions with the first being: can you get a product to market? The second is: what kind of market is waiting at the end? Phase 2 trials usually provide clearer insights into a drug's potential, with data readouts serving as critical indicators that can drive value inflection points. Source: Prescient Therapeutics A series of upcoming catalyst Investors have plenty to watch out for in H2 CY25, with Prescient advancing its phase 2a study. 'We are excited for the release, once we reach 20 patients, of the initial data from the dose optimisation committee review, which will be a key event in determining the next steps for development of PTX-100,' McDonnell said. A share purchase plan aimed at raising $7 million to support Prescient's clinical program closed on July 25. 'There are several milestones we are looking to hit in the coming months and if we can potentially get that Phase 2b into a registration study we can start to shift our focus toward commercialisation opportunities,' McDonnell said. This article was developed in collaboration with Prescient Therapeutics, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions. Originally published as Prescient focuses on advancing lead cancer drug toward pivotal trial
7NEWS
12 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Albanese government pushes forward with prescription medicine cap at $25
Medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be capped at $25 per prescription from the start of 2026, down from the current $31.60, with the Albanese government to introduce laws confirming the changes this week. The major federal election promise will also see the price of PBS scripts frozen at its current level of $7.70 for pensioners until 2030. The changes will cost taxpayers $200 million per year, but are likely to be popular with voters. The Coalition matched the policy during the election and is likely to see the bill pass through parliament relatively quickly. However, Labor used the policy during the federal campaign in April and May to run a scare campaign accusing Peter Dutton and the Opposition of being 'Trump-Lite' and wanting a US style health system. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, says: 'The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your healthcare'. 'We said we would make cheaper medicines even cheaper - that is exactly what we are doing,' Albanese said. 'This is another example of cost of living relief that helps every Australian. The Health Minister, Mark Butler, says the last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago. 'The Albanese Government has been focused on delivering cheaper medicines for Australians,' Butler said. 'Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.' The Albanese Government has started the first two sitting weeks of its second term trying to keep the focus on its election promises. Last week it introduced bills to cut HECS debt by 20 percent, entrench penalty rates in workplace agreements, and safety reforms for the childcare sector.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Could these apps help you live forever?
Would you want to live to 100? Maybe even 150? What if you could live forever? A century ago, health fanatics pinned their hopes on animal gland transplants – think monkey testicles sewn onto human testicles – in the belief it would restore youth and vigour, reversing the ageing process. Others turned to health tonics containing radioactive elements such as radium, which promised a youthful glow but often led to devastating results. More recently, tech billionaires have been injecting the blood of teenagers to try to rejuvenate their ageing bodies. In 2025, a new generation of health products is continuing the illustrious promise of living longer. Their websites are compelling: 'Peak health starts now'. 'We're your super app for health.' 'Future-proof your body.' The difference between now and 100 years ago? These fountains of youth are predominantly delivered via a smartphone – do not involve monkeys or young people – and are more anchored in actual science. Some of them are, at least. There are potentially billions of dollars on offer for the companies that can get there first. Biohackers, tech bros and the 'Huberman crowd' – followers of American neuroscientist and wellness podcaster Andrew Huberman – are early adopters of these new preventative care apps in pursuit of better sleep, healthier bodies and ultimately a desire to extend their lifespan. Proponents say that while many people already track their 10,000 steps and heart rates, most lack access to the deeper health data that could identify potential concerns before they develop into serious conditions. In the US, flashy apps such as Superpower are leading the charge. That app, co-founded by Australian expat Max Marchione, is already worth more than $US300 million ($453 million) and has more than 150,000 people on its waiting list. In Australia, a similar race is heating up, and some of its players are confident they can conquer the US, too. The apps are ballooning in valuation and hype but are facing their biggest test: can they broaden their customer base beyond early adopters and tech geeks to everyday users? Can they get mums and dads excited about biomarkers, gut microbiomes and toxins? An AI doctor in your pocket One of Australia's leading contenders is Everlab, which describes itself as the nation's leading personal longevity clinic. The start-up combines diagnostics, digital doctor consultations and AI to tackle chronic disease, and tens of thousands of Australians are on its waiting list. Everlab is led by chief executive Marc Hermann, who says the COVID pandemic prompted a new generation of people to become fanatical about healthcare and taking better care of themselves. His start-up charges $2999 annually for its longevity program, in which customers are screened for more than 1000 diseases, offered year-round diagnostics and provided a '50-year personalised health road map'. A cheaper tier for $1199 a year includes blood tests, doctor consultations and personalised intervention plans. If Everlab has its way, it might eventually replace GPs, according to Hermann. 'I really do believe that we will end up in this world where everyone will have their AI doctor in their pocket,' he says. 'The north star we are building towards is autonomous healthcare. So building a system that has all the context surrounding you, all your data, genetics, ethnicity, family history, and then creating a super personalised roadmap for your health. 'We want to build towards offering lifelong care that is deeply connected and holistic, versus just a one-off testing service.' To date, Everlab has processed more than 1 million biomarkers through full-body health testing, and says one in four test results are abnormal. For 2.5 per cent of members, the findings have been life-changing, according to Hermann, uncovering serious conditions such as blocked arteries, gastrointestinal tumours, early-stage cancers and congenital brain abnormalities. 'Our target audience is that 40-to-60 age range, people that want to have peace of mind and a clinician that they can really trust ... Just average Australians who are conscious about being on top of their health.' The company has raised $15 million to expand internationally and get a leg-up in the arms race. 'We are seeing a major shift,' Everlab investor Laura Sillam, principal at New York-based Left Lane Capital, said. 'From concierge clinics to diagnostics memberships and longevity programs, consumers are increasingly willing to invest out-of-pocket in proactive health solutions. This trend extends far beyond early adopters, biohackers or the so-called 'Huberman crowd' in coastal US cities. 'Demand is surging globally, with consumers showing a clear willingness to pay for superior healthcare experiences that prioritise personalisation and quality. We believe this shift isn't just a trend ... It's the future of healthcare.' 'The last health app you need' Everlab is far from the only local start-up attempting to corner the market. Sydney-based firm Bright is building the 'super app for health' and is courting US investors including venture capital giant Sequoia. Its app is far cheaper than rivals – just $20 a month, not hundreds or thousands – and is targeting 1 million users by the end of 2026. 'Our vision is to be the last health app you need,' the company's pitch deck to investors reads. 'We are building a $20 billion business in two years. One billion people use health apps today. Bright is ready to replace them all.' Those are bold claims and, so far, the company has racked up 6000 paying subscribers for its app, which pulls in health data from a user's Apple Watch or Garmin fitness tracker to create a full picture of health and then offer AI-generated insights and recommendations. Chief executive Bryan Jordan says building Bright from Australia has brought challenges, particularly given the limited financial capital on offer locally. 'We don't think the full picture of health should be reserved for the tech crowd. We're building Bright for everyone because everyone deserves to see their full picture.' Then there's Superpower. Arguably the hottest app in its class globally, its founding team in San Francisco have pulled in tens of millions in funding from Silicon Valley venture capital firms as well as celebrities Vanessa Hudgens, Steve Aoki, Logan Paul and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. For $US499 a year, the 'super app' offers a 24/7 concierge, and biannual lab testing that analyses more than 100 blood biomarkers across 21 categories, which executives say is 10 times more comprehensive than a standard physical. Tests take 10 minutes and are completed twice a year either at home or at one of 2000 partner labs across the US. Co-founder Max Marchione is a former student at St Aloysius College in Sydney's Milsons Point. A third of the app's 80 or so staff are Australians. 'The current healthcare system currently leaves most people visiting primary care doctors on a reactive basis after a problem arises, not before,' he says. 'We are on a mission to rescue 100 million people from the limits of traditional reactive care.' Others are taking a more extreme approach. Snake oil Bryan Johnson is a US-based millionaire who doesn't just want to live for 100 years, or even 150. Johnson wants to live forever. The subject of a recent Netflix documentary, Johnson has launched the Blueprint project which has a simple end goal: 'Don't die.' Johnson has spent $US4 million to date on obtaining immortality and calls himself 'the world's most measured man'. At one point he transferred blood plasma from his 18-year-old son – and gave some of his own to his 70-year-old father – but stopped after it didn't produce positive results. As The Guardian puts it: 'He rises at 4.30am, eats all his meals before 11am, and goes to bed – alone – at 8.30pm, without exception. In the intervening hours, he ingests more than 100 pills, bathes his body in LED light, and sits on a high-intensity electromagnetic device that he believes will strengthen his pelvic floor.' On his Blueprint website Johnson sells a range of supplements and pills, and even a bottle of olive oil called 'snake oil'. Closer to home, multimillionaire property developer Tim Gurner has made headlines for his radical biohacking regime. His Melbourne-based longevity club Saint Haven spruiks a $250,000 annual package offering annual full-body MRI, brain scans and monthly blood testing. 'Anything that is out there that's a biohacking or testing thing, I've done it,' he told Forbes Australia. 'From micro-dosing mushrooms to infrared saunas to steam to [smart ring] Oura, lymphatic drainage. Everything. I want to try everything and see what works for me.' Millionaires can afford to try anything. But can everyday Australians benefit from these contentious innovations? Professor Luigi Fontana from the University of Sydney, a world expert in longevity, says there's legitimacy in apps such as Everlab and Superpower. But he's also concerned the hype may be getting ahead of the science. 'These platforms have real potential to empower users with insights that complement – not replace – traditional healthcare, especially when integrated with regular check-ups and foundational habits like structured exercise programs, sleep and healthy nutrition,' he says. Loading 'But the promise only holds if the science is sound and the interventions are grounded in the best clinical evidence, not hype.' Hermann, chief executive of Everlab, says he thinks most Australians should want to sign up to his app. 'We don't want to build a luxury for service for the top 1 per cent,' he says. 'We think this is something that can help most people. Being data-driven is the solution to better care. 'We don't think it makes sense to run an MRI scan on every 18-year-old. We just believe that, if you have a certain set of risks, the potential upsides are way bigger than the downsides.'
