U.S. regulators announced on Wednesday the prohibition of the dye known as Red 3 from the food supply, marking a significant shift in regulatory stance that dates back almost 35 years when it was previously banned in cosmetics due to cancer risks.
Red 3, officially labeled as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a petroleum-derived color additive commonly used to impart a bright cherry-red hue to various foods and beverages. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally declined to permit its use in cosmetics and topical medications in 1990 following studies that indicated its potential to induce cancer in laboratory rats.
The recent ban stemmed from a petition put forth in 2022 by a coalition of food safety and health advocates urging the FDA to revoke the dye’s authorization in food products, which are often consumed by children at higher rates relative to their body weight. This decision aligns with the Delaney Clause, a statute mandating the prohibition of any additive found to be carcinogenic in humans or animals.
FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones stated, “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red 3. Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.” The FDA had previously allowed the use of Red 3 in food because it judged that the cancer-causing effects seen in rats do not translate to humans.
The announcement of the ban signifies a crucial move to safeguard public health, particularly for younger consumers, as many products containing Red 3 include popular items such as candies, snack cakes, and maraschino cherries. A staggering 9,201 food products listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s database contain Red 3.
While food manufacturers are granted a timeline until January 2027 to phase out Red 3 from their products, pharmaceutical companies have until January 2028. Noteworthy companies like Ferrara Candy and Mars Wrigley have already begun making changes, with Ferrara Candy stating they are on track to eliminate the dye from their remaining products by the end of 2026.
Although the International Association of Color Manufacturers advocates for the dye’s safety at typical consumption levels, this ruling reflects a growing trend circulating globally as similar bans on Red 3 have already been instituted in regions outside the U.S., including Europe and Australia.
In light of this regulatory decision, it seems evident that there is an increasing emphasis on prioritizing consumer health over certain manufacturing practices. The ban may pave the way for more natural alternatives in food coloring, promoting a shift toward safe and healthier food products, fostering hope for public health improvements in the coming years.