>>VA Tech Professor Discusses FDA's Potential Ban On Petroleum-Based Synthetic Food Dyes
(Blacksburg, VA) -- One Virginia professor thinks you won't buy a product if the colors are not vibrant, even if it is a healthier choice. Joe Murano explains.Preview: Voicer Script:
The FDA is considering banning common petroleum-based synthetic food dyes and swapping them for naturally-derived dyes due to their link to hyper-activity in kids and other health concerns. Director of the Food Producer Technical Assistant Network, Melissa Wright from Virginia Tech, supports the move but warns that consumers are drawn to bright colors and the move could have potential financial impacts on businesses. She tells WDBJ she doesn't believe the color additives are the issue but instead the danger lies in the highly-processed foods they are found in. The FDA's decision is driven by health concerns and a push for cleaner food in the U.S.