Western Nevada College Psychology Professor Dr. Rebecca Bevans has gained national attention for her research on synthetic food dyes, a topic she has studied for over ten years. Her work is featured in the documentary "To Dye For," which premiered shortly before the Food and Drug Administration banned Red Dye No. 3 due to potential carcinogenic effects.
The FDA's decision highlights concerns about synthetic food dyes, which have been linked to thyroid tumors in laboratory studies. Dr. Bevans' research focuses on how these dyes affect children's behavior, and she views the FDA's ruling as an opportunity to increase public awareness of these additives.
"Knowing that our participation in this documentary might help others makes it all worth it," Dr. Bevans stated. "I didn’t want another child to suffer as ours did or another parent to experience the heartbreak we went through. This film is a way to reach more families and make a difference."
Dr. Bevans became interested in this issue after discovering that synthetic dyes contributed to her son Alex's neurobehavioral challenges. Her TEDx talk on food dye dangers has been viewed nearly 500,000 times, and she has been featured in Forbes Magazine. The documentary builds on her mission by sharing personal stories and expert insights, including her family's experience.
The film premiered on January 10 at an event hosted by the Western Nevada College Foundation and the Brewery Arts Center, raising funds for Dr. Bevans' psychology students and their research initiatives. It is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vimeo, and Fandango. Fees from these platforms do not directly benefit Dr. Bevans or her students; however, donations can be made to support student research through the WNC Foundation.
“Dr. Bevans’ dedication to raising awareness about food dye dangers is inspiring,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Her work exemplifies the impact that educators can have on their communities and beyond.”
Dr. Bevans is open for interviews regarding her research, the FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3, and the documentary.
For more information about "To Dye For" or to stream it online, visit todyeforthedocumentary.com.