FDA bans Red 3 dye from food supply after decades of health concerns

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After decades of warnings, the FDA announced Wednesday that it will ban the use of Red 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in laboratory animals, from the U.S. food supply. The decision follows a 2022 petition from food safety advocates and pressure from lawmakers who cited the Delaney provision, which requires the FDA to ban additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals. Red 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is used in foods such as snack cakes, candies, black cherries and oral medications. Although the FDA banned its use in cosmetics in 1990 over concerns about cancer in laboratory rats, it is still approved for use in food and ingested drugs. Under the new regulations, manufacturers must remove Red 3 from food by January 2027 and from oral medications by January 2028. Science serves the public interest. “The double standard that allowed Red 3 in food but not in lipstick has finally been corrected.” The International Color Manufacturers Association defended the dye, citing United Nations and World Health Organization studies confirming its safety at typical consumption levels sex. Still, consumer advocates argue that removing the dye is critical, especially for children who consume more Red 3 relative to their body weight. Red 3 is already banned in Europe, Australia and New Zealand (except for certain cherries) and will also be banned in California starting in January 2027. Many food manufacturers have begun reformulating their products using natural alternatives, such as beet juice, carmine (an insect dye), and pigments found in vegetables such as purple sweet potatoes and radishes. While no illnesses have been reported in Red 3, the FDA emphasized its legal obligations under Delaney's terms. “There is evidence that laboratory rats exposed to high concentrations of FD&C Red No. 3 develop cancer,” said Jim Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods. “While this mechanism does not apply to humans, we are required by law to take action.” Like this: Like Loading… Discover more from Baller AlertSubscribe to get the latest posts delivered to your email.

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