U.S. regulators have officially banned the red dye known as Red 3 from the country’s food supply, marking a significant move nearly 35 years after its prohibition in cosmetics due to cancer concerns. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to a petition from a coalition of food safety advocates who requested the removal of the dye, which is responsible for coloring various candies, snack cakes, and maraschino cherries.
The FDA’s decision was driven by findings from studies that indicated a cancer risk associated with Red 3 in laboratory rats, prompting action under a statute known as the Delaney Clause. This clause mandates that any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals must be banned. Red 3, also referred to as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, has now been removed from the list of approved color additives in food products, dietary supplements, and certain oral medications, such as cough syrups.
Jim Jones, FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, stated that the agency’s actions are based on the evidence of cancer in lab animals, although he emphasized that the mechanism by which Red 3 causes cancer in rats does not apply to humans. Food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to eliminate the dye from their products, while producers of ingested drugs have until January 2028 to comply.
Similar bans for Red 3 are already in place in regions like Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with certain exceptions for specific types of cherries. Legislative efforts in states like California, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Indiana are also underway to limit the usage of dyes in public school foods. New York plans to prohibit Red 3 in food and beverages by 2026.
Despite the FDA’s ban, the International Association of Color Manufacturers contends that Red 3 is safe in the quantities typically consumed by humans, citing supportive findings from scientific reviews conducted by entities such as the UN and the World Health Organization.
For consumers, it’s pertinent to note that thousands of food products contain Red 3, including seasonal candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, beverages, and some oral medications. Dr. Peter Lurie of the Center for Science in the Public Interest underscores the importance of label reading, as the dye must be disclosed on packaging.
As food manufacturers adjust to this regulatory change, many are already seeking alternatives to Red 3, such as beet juice and natural pigments from various fruits and vegetables, highlighting a shift towards safer and more natural food coloring options.
In summary, the ban on Red 3 marks a significant step in food safety and consumer health, reflecting a growing awareness and regulatory response to potential risks associated with synthetic food additives. Moving forward, this regulatory change could pave the way for a healthier food environment, encouraging manufacturers to explore natural alternatives that could benefit public health.