The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned using Red No. 3, a synthetic food dye linked to cancer in laboratory animals. This decision marks a significant victory for consumer advocacy groups and health-conscious organizations that have long pushed for its removal from the food supply. The ban affects thousands of food and beverage products and some medicines, with manufacturers required to comply by January 2027.
Red No. 3 dye |
What is Red No. 3?
Red
No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum and
has been used in food products since 1907. It provides a vibrant cherry-red
color to candies, baked goods, beverages, and even medicines like cough syrups
and gummy vitamins. Despite its widespread use, concerns about its safety have
persisted for decades.
Why
Was Red No. 3 Banned?
The FDA's decision stems from studies dating back to the 1980s that linked the dye to cancer in male laboratory rats. Although human exposure levels are much lower, U.S. law mandates a ban on food additives that show any carcinogenic potential in humans or animals. This move closes a regulatory loophole where Red No. 3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990 but remained permissible in food and beverages.
Jim
Jones, the FDA’s deputy director for human foods, emphasized, "The FDA
cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to
cause cancer in humans or animals."
Foods
and Products Impacted by the Ban
Red No. 3 is found in a wide array of products, including:
- Colored candies (e.g., Pez)
- Toaster pastries
- Maraschino cherries
- Strawberry-flavored milkshakes
- Frostings and baked goods
- Certain medicines and dietary supplements
Major
manufacturers must now reformulate their products to comply with the FDA's
regulations. For drugs and dietary supplements, the deadline extends to January
2028.
Consumer
Advocacy and Global Context
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a leading food safety advocacy group, spearheaded the petition to ban Red No. 3 in 2022. Dr. Peter Lurie, CSPI's president, noted the paradox of the dye being prohibited in lipstick but allowed in children's candies. Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, praised the FDA’s decision as a "long-overdue victory for consumers."
Globally,
Red No. 3 faces restrictions in countries such as Australia, Japan, and members
of the European Union. California led U.S. state efforts by banning the dye in
2023, a move that set the stage for federal action.
The
Path Forward: Alternative Food Coloring
While
some companies have already phased out Red No. 3, others are turning to
alternatives like Red No. 40. However, this substitute is not without
controversy, as studies have linked it to hyperactivity in children and digestive
issues in mice. Advocacy groups hope the FDA will take a closer look at other
synthetic dyes to ensure food safety.
Conclusion:
A Step Toward Healthier Food Standards
The
FDA’s ban on Red No. 3 is a pivotal step in addressing the health concerns
surrounding artificial food additives. As consumers demand greater transparency
and safety in their food supply, this decision reflects a broader movement
toward healthier, more natural ingredients. With manufacturers adapting to the
new regulations, the future looks brighter—and less artificially colored—for
American food products.