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
However, it is important to note that not every item that falls into one of the above categories will contain Red 3. That’s why Dr. Peter Lurie, president and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, urges consumers to read food labels before making a purchase.
Red 3 is legally required to be on food labels if present and will be listed as:
- FD&C Red No. 3
- FD&C Red 3
- Red 3
Medicines with Red No. 3
Red Dye No. 3 is also present in some oral medications and supplements. According to Dr. Lurie, 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
“Practically everybody is consuming Red 3 some of the time,” Dr. Lurie says. “They don’t really know it, and they don’t know in what quantities they’re consuming it.”
Conclusion
The FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 is a significant step towards protecting public health. While it is not yet clear how quickly food manufacturers will remove the dye from their products, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with Red Dye No. 3. By reading food labels and choosing products that do not contain artificial dyes, consumers can make informed choices about the foods they eat.
FAQs
Q: Why is Red Dye No. 3 being banned?
A: Red Dye No. 3 is being banned due to evidence that it can cause cancer in animals.
Q: What foods contain Red Dye No. 3?
A: Thousands of foods contain Red Dye No. 3, including candies, cakes, frozen desserts, and some oral medicines and supplements.
Q: How can I avoid foods with Red Dye No. 3?
A: Consumers can avoid foods with Red Dye No. 3 by reading food labels and choosing products that do not contain artificial dyes.
Q: When will food manufacturers have to remove Red Dye No. 3 from their products?
A: Food manufacturers have until January 15, 2027 to remove Red Dye No. 3 from their products.
Q: Will I still be able to find products with Red Dye No. 3 after the ban?
A: While the FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3 is effective, it is possible that some products may still contain the dye. Consumers should continue to read food labels and choose products that do not contain artificial dyes.
