The popular Red Dye No. 3 has been banned in foods, drinks, and ingested drugs after decades of scientific findings linked the synthetic additive to cancer in animals.
This move as initiated by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in The U.S, is coming officially 30 years after its prohibition in cosmetics and topical drugs, aims to protect consumers from its long-term health risks.
What is Red Dye No. 3?
Red Dye No. 3, chemically known as erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive made from petroleum. It has been used to give foods, beverages, and candies a vibrant cherry-red appearance. However, research has consistently linked its consumption to cancer in laboratory animals.
A Long-Awaited Ban
The FDA’s decision follows a petition submitted in November 2022 by advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). California had already banned Red Dye No. 3 in October 2023, pushing for safer alternatives in the food industry.
Manufacturers have until January 2027 and January 2028 to eliminate the dye from foods and drugs, respectively. The ban also extends to imported products, ensuring compliance with these new safety standards.
Why Was Red Dye No. 3 Allowed for So Long?
The continued use of Red Dye No. 3 in foods was a glaring contradiction of the FDA’s Delaney Clause, which prohibits approving color additives that cause cancer in animals or humans. Despite banning the dye in cosmetics in 1990, the FDA permitted its use in food, citing insufficient evidence of harm in humans. This regulatory inconsistency is now being addressed, with experts like Dr. Thomas Galligan of CSPI calling it “a monumental victory for consumer health.”
Red Dye No. 3 in Foods and Alternatives
The dye has been found in numerous candies, beverages, and processed foods. Some companies, including Ferrara (makers of Brach’s candies) and Just Born (creators of PEEPS), have already phased out the additive. Others have switched to Red Dye No. 40, a less controversial alternative, though concerns about its safety persist.
Why You Should Be Concerned
California has also banned Red Dye No. 40 from public schools, citing links to behavioral and attention disorders in children. Research has shown potential connections between the dye and immune system tumors in animals.
Foods Popular in Africa and Nigeria Containing Artificial Dyes
In Africa, especially Nigeria, Red Dye No. 3 and other artificial colorings are often found in highly processed foods like sugary drinks, candies, and snacks. These products dominate markets due to their affordability and appeal, particularly to children.
How to Avoid Harmful Dyes
To reduce exposure to synthetic dyes:
– Avoid processed and ultra-processed foods.
– Read food labels carefully.
– Opt for natural alternatives and homemade meals.
– Parents should steer clear of products containing numbered dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5.
The new ban brings the U.S. closer to Europe, where Red Dye No. 3 has been banned since 1994, except for limited use in products like maraschino cherries.
By staying informed and cautious, consumers can better protect themselves and their families from the potential risks of synthetic food additives.
