7 chapters across the catalog
RFK Jr. Food Regulation, Major Questions Doctrine
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s focus on regulating food additives and ultra-processed foods is analyzed through the lens of the "Major Questions Doctrine." This legal principle requires clear congressional authorization for agencies to decide issues of vast economic or political significance.
Southwest Airlines, Seating Policy Changes and Snack Ingredients
Southwest Airlines is reportedly considering a shift away from its signature open-seating policy toward assigned seating and boarding groups. This change comes amid complaints from flight attendants about the "ragamuffin" boarding process and pre-boarding abuses. Additionally, a review of airline snack mixes reveals they can contain up to 70 ingredients, including enriched flours and various chemical additives, far removed from simple "nuts and bolts" recipes.
A lawsuit filed in California alleges that Skittles candy is unfit for human consumption due to high levels of titanium dioxide. The chemical is used as a white pigment in food and paint, and the plaintiff claims it is a known toxin. Mars Inc. maintains that its products comply with all current FDA regulations regarding food additives.
Food Additives and the De-cheesing of America
A report from a former Kraft IT worker suggests the company aimed to reduce the amount of real cheese in its products to stabilize costs against commodity price fluctuations. The hosts discuss the prevalence of "plastic" and emulsifiers in the American diet, arguing that poor nutrition contributes to public health issues.
Large food corporations like Kraft reportedly use sophisticated algorithms to minimize ingredients while maximizing the addictive quality of packaged foods. Innovations include triangular salt crystals designed to provide more flavor with less mass. Modern processed foods are described as being composed primarily of emulsifiers, plastic-like textures, and artificial flavorings.
The Codex Alimentarius has released an extensive list of food categories approved for the use of aspartame, including dairy, fruit, and even vinegar. The hosts discuss the history of the sweetener's approval under Donald Rumsfeld and its potential links to neurological disorders.
Calium Salt, Potential New Food Additive Meme
The hosts investigate a mention of "Calium salt" in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. They suspect it may be a rebranding of potassium chloride, intended to replace traditional salt in the same way aspartame replaced sugar. They issue an "All Producers Bulletin" to watch for the emergence of this new food additive meme.
