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FDA Bans Red No. 3: The Bright Red Dye Linked to Health Risks

 

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.


Explore the controversial Red No. 3 dye, its health implications, and the FDA's decision to ban it, with a visual representation of its widespread use in food products.
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.

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