U.S. regulators have formally banned the food dye Red 3, also known as erythrosine, from the nation’s food supply due to health concerns associated with cancer risks. This decision comes nearly 35 years after the dye was prohibited in cosmetics due to similar health concerns.
Red 3 is a bright cherry-red color additive derived from petroleum and has been used in various food products, including candies, snack cakes, and maraschino cherries. The FDA’s ruling follows a 2022 petition by health advocates, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), urging the agency to revoke the dye’s authorization due to its potential carcinogenic effects revealed in studies with lab rats.
The FDA has stated that while Red 3 has caused cancer in laboratory rats, the mechanism for this does not occur in humans. Nonetheless, they emphasized the importance of adhering to the Delaney Clause, which mandates that any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals must be banned.
This ban affects food manufacturers, which will have until January 2027 to eliminate Red 3 from their products, while pharmaceutical companies have until January 2028 to remove it from ingested medications. Meanwhile, concerns have been notably raised by legislators, especially regarding the impact on children who consume these dyes more than adults, based on their body weight.
Globally, Red 3 has already faced restrictions, with bans in regions like Europe and Oceania except in specific cases, such as certain cherries. Some U.S. states, including California, have also proposed measures to limit the use of certain dyes in foods accessible in public schools.
In terms of product availability, estimates suggest that over 9,200 food items in the U.S. currently contain Red 3, spanning a wide range of products such as sodas, juices, candies, and pastries. In response to the new regulations, many food manufacturers have begun reformulating their recipes, opting for more natural alternatives like beet juice, carmine, and plant-derived pigments.
The FDA’s actions reflect an increased focus on food safety and consumer health, with advocacy groups applauding the decision as a significant step towards eliminating potentially harmful additives from the food supply. As consumers become more aware of food ingredients, this shift may also enhance the market for safer, more natural food coloring options.
Overall, this ban signals a growing trend in prioritizing health standards in the food industry, potentially improving public health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations like children.