WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Food & Drug Administration has decided to ban the use of Red No. 3 in foods, drinks, and any products meant for ingestion. The announcement came on Wednesday.
The move follows years of scrutiny over the dye, propelled by concerns about its potential cancer risks, especially for children. A coalition of organizations raised alarms, prompting the FDA to take action.
Experts like Nora Demers from Florida Gulf Coast University and Francisco Diez from the University of Georgia view this ban as a positive development. They emphasize the importance of looking out for public health.
“This is absolutely a positive move,” Demers states.
Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye that gives food a vivid red hue. It’s commonly found in candies and some medications, such as acetaminophen. Demers pointed out that this bright coloring often targets children. “Ultra-processed foods are often marketed with these eye-catching colors,” she said.
Jamie Alan, a toxicology expert at Michigan State University, reassures consumers. If you have products that contain Red No. 3, there’s no need to panic or toss them out. “It’s going to be just fine to consume what you have,” she explains.
This dye has been around since its approval in 1907, but concerns about its safety have been raised for many years. Alan mentions that Red No. 3 has not only cancer risks but can also lead to behavioral issues, particularly in children.
“Red Dye No. 3 presents significant health concerns, especially for kids,” said Alan.
Despite the ban, other synthetic dyes, like Red No. 40, remain allowable. Alan hopes the FDA’s announcement sparks a broader discussion about the safety of synthetic dyes in food.
The FDA has given food manufacturers until January 15, 2027, to remove Red No. 3 from their products. Dietary supplements have an extended deadline of an extra year. Some states, such as California, already enforce their own bans.
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FDA,Red No. 3,Cancer risk,Food products,Synthetic dye,Public health,Children,Color additive
