FDA Bans Use of Red No. 3, Synthetic Food Dye Linked to Cancer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is banning the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye used to give food and drinks a bright red cherry color, due to its potential link to cancer in animals.
What is Red Dye No. 3?
Red Dye No. 3, approved for use in foods in 1907, is made from petroleum.
History of the Dye’s Use and Controversy
The FDA first became aware of the potential risks of Red No. 3 in the 1980s, when a study found tumors in male rats exposed to high doses of the dye. The agency banned the additive in cosmetics in 1990.
Reason for the Ban
The FDA’s decision to ban Red No. 3 is based on evidence showing that it causes cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of the dye. The agency cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
Consequences of the Ban
Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products. Companies that make ingested drugs, such as dietary supplements, will have an additional year to comply with the ban.
Reactions to the Ban
Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food industry watchdog group, welcomed the decision, stating, "It removes an unnecessary hazard from the American food supply, and we welcome that action, even though it should have occurred more than three decades ago."
Global Use of Red No. 3
Red No. 3 is already banned or severely restricted in several countries, including Australia, Japan, and those in the European Union.
Alternatives to Red No. 3
Some U.S. food manufacturers have already removed artificial dyes, including Red No. 3, from their products. There are 36 FDA-approved color additives, nine of which are synthetic dyes.
FAQs
Q: What is Red No. 3?
A: Red Dye No. 3 is a synthetic dye used to give food and drinks a bright red cherry color, made from petroleum.
Q: Why is Red No. 3 being banned?
A: The FDA is banning Red No. 3 due to its potential link to cancer in animals and the agency’s inability to authorize a food additive or color additive that causes cancer in humans or animals.
Q: When does the ban take effect?
A: The ban takes effect in 2027, with food manufacturers having until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products, and companies that make ingested drugs, such as dietary supplements, having an additional year to comply.
