In a long-awaited move, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a widely used food coloring. The decision comes after years of research and concern about its potential health risks, particularly its link to cancer in animals. This change brings the United States in line with other countries that have already banned the dye.
What is Red Dye No. 3?
Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, has been used in many food products, from candies to drinks, and even some medicines. The chemical is what gives products their bright red color. However, after decades of research showing a potential link to cancer, especially thyroid cancer in rats, the FDA has decided to stop allowing its use in food and drugs.
A Decision Years in the Making
The FDA’s decision comes after a petition filed in 2022 by health advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). The petition highlighted the “Delaney Clause,” a law that prohibits food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals. Despite warnings about the dangers of Red Dye No. 3, it continued to be used in many products, partly due to pushback from the food industry. For example, makers of maraschino cherries relied on the dye to maintain their product’s signature red color.
Health Concerns and Global Action
Red Dye No. 3 has long been banned in cosmetics due to its cancer link. But it was still used in food products, even though countries like the European Union, Japan, and Australia took action years ago to ban it. The US was slower to make a move, raising questions about the influence of the food industry’s lobbying power.
In addition to cancer concerns, there are other studies that suggest synthetic food dyes may affect children’s behavior, including a potential link to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A 2021 report from California found that synthetic food dyes could have negative effects on children’s brains, including changes in memory, activity, and learning.
What Happens Next?
Manufacturers using Red Dye No. 3 will have until 2027 to remove it from food products and until 2028 for medications. While the FDA acknowledged the cancer risks in animals, it noted that there is no clear evidence of harm to humans, citing lower exposure levels.
Health experts and advocacy groups have praised the ban as a step in the right direction. CSPI hopes this decision will encourage further action to limit other harmful chemicals in food, such as heavy metals like lead and arsenic, which can be harmful to children.
A Safer Future for Consumers
For many, this ban signals a shift toward safer food practices in the United States. While synthetic food dyes might make products more appealing, they offer no nutritional benefit and may pose serious health risks. As consumers become more aware of the ingredients in their food, this decision is seen as an important step in protecting public health.
As the FDA moves to enforce this ban, it is clear that food safety regulations in the US are evolving. The hope is that this will lead to more protective measures and a healthier future for all consumers.