Public Health

Natural food colors promoted by the Make America Healthy Again movement as safer alternatives to synthetic dyes are being linked to higher diabetes and cancer risks, complicating industry reformulation strategies. The FDA banned Red No. 3 in January and is fast-tracking plant-based alternatives, but emerging research on ultra-processed foods suggests even natural colorants may carry metabolic risks when used in industrial food systems. This creates regulatory uncertainty for manufacturers spending millions to replace petroleum-based dyes, potentially forcing another costly reformulation cycle if natural alternatives prove problematic.

Two Singapore residents who sailed on the MV Hondius are isolated at NCID awaiting hantavirus test results after the cruise linked to eight cases and three deaths.

WHO coordinates evacuations from Dutch-flagged m/v Hondius after suspected rodent exposure infected six passengers and crew. Cape Verde authorities delay medical clearances.

British doctors are quietly prescribing social activities instead of antidepressants to tackle rising loneliness rates. Early trials show community group referrals work as effectively as medication for mild depression.