Red Dye 3, a dye commonly used in food, drinks, and medicine, has been banned by United States food regulators due to evidence showing its link to cancer in rats.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the decision based on a petition from consumer advocacy groups in 2022, banning the dye which had already been prohibited in cosmetics 35 years ago.
The FDA stated that the ban was necessary under the Delaney Clause, a law requiring the prohibition of any additive causing cancer in humans or animals.
This dye has already been banned in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for food use, except for certain types of Maraschino cherries used in specific applications.
In 2011, a study by the European Food Safety Authority found minimal safety concerns with the cherries containing Red Dye 3.
What is Red Dye 3?
Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a colour additive derived from petroleum used to give foods and medications a cherry red hue.
The dye was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications in 1990 after studies showed its cancer-causing potential in rats.
Consumer groups and scientists petitioned for a complete ban on Red Dye 3 in 2022, eventually leading to the FDA’s decision.
Despite calls for the ban, Red Dye 3 still appears in popular US snack foods and candies.
What has the FDA said?
The FDA announced the ban on Red Dye 3, citing evidence of cancer in lab rats exposed to high levels of the dye.
While the FDA acknowledged the different impact on rats and humans, the ban was enforced under the Delaney Clause.
Manufacturers have until specific dates in 2027 and 2028 to reformulate their products to comply with the ban.
What have manufacturers and consumer groups said about the ban?
The US National Confectioners Association expressed compliance with the FDA’s decision, emphasizing food safety as a top priority.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest praised the FDA for addressing a long-standing regulatory issue with Red Dye 3.
While the International Association of Color Manufacturers supported safety standards, they advocated for considering the concentration levels at which Red Dye 3 induced cancer in rats.
What other food additives could a Trump administration target?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expected to lead the Health and Human Services department, has proposed banning additional additives and foods, including certain dyes and seed oils.
His stance on seed oils has faced criticism from experts who argue that research shows their health benefits.
