Avoid These Foods with Red Dye 3 as FDA Bans Additive

The Food and Drug Administration has said it is banning the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that has long been used in the U.S. to color certain foods, such as candies and colored beverages, as well as some oral medicines and supplements.

Why did the FDA ban Red Dye No. 3?

The FDA said it is banning the use of Red Dye No. 3 due to evidence that the synthetic color additive can cause cancer in animals. The agency says that under a clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the FDA is not allowed to authorize any color additive “if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.” Jim Jones, the agency’s deputy director for human foods, said there is “evidence” of “cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red Dye No. 3” in a statement to NBC News.

What is Red Dye No. 3?

Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright red color. It is also sometimes used in oral medicines and supplements. The FDA has approved 36 color additives for use in the U.S.; nine are synthetic dyes.

What foods contain Red Dye No. 3?

While some food manufacturers have already stopped using Red 3 and other artificial dyes in their products, thousands of foods contain Red Dye No. 3, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Here is a list of some common foods that may contain Red 3:

• Candy, especially seasonal candies, such as candy corn and dyed marshmallows
• Cakes and cupcakes
• Frozen desserts, such as ice pops and ice creams with strawberry flavoring
• Frostings
• Maraschino cherries
• Fruit cocktails
• Colored beverages
• Protein shakes
• Vegetarian meats
• Bacon bits
• Sausages
• Strawberry milk
• Puddings

Medicines with Red No. 3

Red Dye No. 3 is also present in some oral medications and supplements. According to Drugs.com, some of the oral medicines that may contain Red 3 include:

• Acetaminophen, a pain reliever
• Fluoxetine, an antidepressant
• Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant
• Andomeprazole, which treats heartburn

Conclusion

The FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a step in the right direction towards removing potentially harmful additives from our food supply. Consumers should be aware of the presence of Red Dye No. 3 in certain foods and take steps to avoid consuming it. Food manufacturers should also take note of the ban and adjust their formulations accordingly.

FAQs

Q: What is Red Dye No. 3?
A: Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright red color.

Q: Why is the FDA banning Red Dye No. 3?
A: The FDA is banning Red Dye No. 3 because it has been found to cause cancer in animals.

Q: What foods contain Red Dye No. 3?
A: Thousands of foods contain Red Dye No. 3, including candy, cakes, frozen desserts, and some medicines.

Q: How can consumers avoid consuming Red Dye No. 3?
A: Consumers can avoid consuming Red Dye No. 3 by reading food labels and choosing products that do not contain it.