FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3: A Cancer-Causing Synthetic Color Additive
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the ban on the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye commonly used in the United States to color certain foods, such as candies and colored beverages, as well as some oral medicines and supplements.
Why is Red Dye No. 3 Being Banned?
The FDA is banning Red Dye No. 3 due to evidence that it can cause cancer in animals. According to the FDA, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the agency is not allowed to authorize any color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.
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 used in oral medicines and supplements. The FDA has approved 36 color additives for use in the United States, with nine being 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), a search of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Branded Foods Database at FoodData Central identified 9,201 U.S. food products that contain Red 3.
Common Foods That May Contain Red Dye No. 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 Dye No. 3
Red Dye No. 3 is also present in some oral medications and supplements. According to Dr. Lurie, the dye is found in some oral medications, including:
- Acetaminophen, a pain reliever
- Fluoxetine, an antidepressant
- Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant
- Omeprazole, which treats heartburn
Conclusion
The FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of the food supply. While some may argue that the dye is not a significant risk, the scientific evidence suggests that it can cause cancer in animals, and it is only a matter of time before it is linked to cancer in humans.
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 Red Dye No. 3 being banned?
A: The FDA is banning Red Dye No. 3 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 medications and supplements.
Q: How can I 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 artificial dyes.
Q: Is Red Dye No. 3 safe for human consumption?
A: The scientific evidence suggests that Red Dye No. 3 can cause cancer in animals, and it is only a matter of time before it is linked to cancer in humans.
