U.S. Regulators Ban Red 3 Dye from Food Supply
U.S. regulators have banned the dye Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was banned from cosmetics due to potential cancer risk.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Action
Food and Drug Administration officials granted a 2022 petition filed by two dozen food safety and health advocates, who urged the agency to revoke authorization for the substance that gives some candies, snack cakes, and maraschino cherries a bright red hue. The agency took the action as a "matter of law" because some studies have found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats. Officials cited a statute known as the Delaney Clause, which requires FDA to ban any additive found to cause cancer in people or animals.
Background on Red 3
The dye is known as erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3, or Red 3. It is used to give some foods and medicines a red color. More than three decades ago, the FDA declined to authorize use of Red 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats.
FDA’s Deputy Commissioner’s Statement
"The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs," said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods. "Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3. Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans."
Timeline for Removal of Red 3
Food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to remove the dye from their products, while makers of ingested drugs have until January 2028 to do the same. Other countries still allow for certain uses of the dye, but imported foods must meet the new U.S. requirement.
Legal Challenges Ahead?
It is unclear whether the ban will face legal challenges from food manufacturers, as evidence has not determined that the dye causes cancer when consumed by humans. At a hearing in December, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf suggested that’s a risk.
International Rulings on Red 3
Red 3 is banned for food use in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, except in certain kinds of cherries. The dye will be banned in California starting in January 2027, and lawmakers in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Indiana have filed proposals to limit certain dyes, particularly from foods offered in public schools.
New York’s Ban on Red 3
New York legislators introduced a bill in February that would ban Red No. 3 in food and drinks in the state beginning in 2026.
International Association of Color Manufacturers’ Defense of Red 3
The International Association of Color Manufacturers defends the dye, saying that it is safe in levels typically consumed by humans. The group points to research by scientific committees operated by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, including a 2018 review that reaffirmed the safety of Red 3 in food.
Food Manufacturers’ Reactions
Some food manufacturers have already reformulated products to remove Red 3. In its place, they use beet juice; carmine, a dye made from insects; and pigments from foods such as purple sweet potato, radish, and red cabbage, according to Sensient Food Colors, a St. Louis-based supplier of food colors and flavorings.
What Foods Contain Red Dye No. 3?
Thousands of foods contain Red Dye No. 3, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Here are 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
Conclusion
The FDA’s decision to ban Red 3 from the food supply is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of consumers. While some argue that the dye is safe, others claim that it poses a risk, particularly when consumed in high levels. As the FDA takes a scientific approach to its decision, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with Red 3 and to take steps to reduce their exposure to the dye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Red 3?
A: Red 3 is a synthetic food dye used to give foods and medicines a red color.
Q: Why is Red 3 being banned?
A: Red 3 is being banned due to potential cancer risks, as it has been shown to cause cancer in lab rats.
Q: What are the implications of the ban?
A: Food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to remove Red 3 from their products, while makers of ingested drugs have until January 2028 to do the same.
Q: Will the ban face legal challenges?
A: It is unclear whether the ban will face legal challenges from food manufacturers, as evidence has not determined that the dye causes cancer when consumed by humans.
Q: Who defended Red 3?
A: The International Association of Color Manufacturers defended Red 3, citing research by scientific committees operated by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, including a 2018 review that reaffirmed the safety of Red 3 in food.
