U.S. regulators have officially banned red dye 3 from the country’s food supply. It is a move that comes almost 35 years after it was banned in cosmetics, due to its possible link to cancer. This additive, known for its cherry red color, is found in a variety of consumer products, such as candy, cupcakes, maraschino cherries and some strawberry-flavored beverages.
From now on, food manufacturers will have until January 2027 to reformulate their products to comply with the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation. Meanwhile, producers of ingested medications, such as certain cough syrups, have until January 2028 to eliminate the additive.
What is red dye?
Red dye 3, also known as FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-derived food coloring. It has been used in the United States since its approval in 1907 to give foods and beverages a deep red hue. Common applications include icings, candies, frozen desserts and cakes.
The FDA first detected problems with red dye 3 in the 1980s. This followed animal studies linking the additive to cancer in laboratory rats. Although there is no conclusive evidence linking the dye to cancer in humans, its potential risks led to bans or severe restrictions in several countries. Among them we can name Japan, Australia and some of the European Union.
Reasons for the FDA banning Red 3
According to the Delaney clause of the Federal Food and Drug and Cosmetic Act, the FDA must ban any food additive that has been shown to be linked to cancer in humans or animals, such as Red 3. Delving further into the study we named above, we can say that such research revealed a link between high doses of Red 3 and the development of tumors in male rats. This led the FDA to ban its use in cosmetics in 1990.
Nevertheless, this additive remained in the food supply for decades. This situation provoked criticism from health advocates. In response, a petition was filed in 2022 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) and other organizations, calling for a ban on this product.
FDA Commissioner Kim Jones explained that the ban on red dye 3 was a matter of law, emphasizing the agency’s duty to act with evidence on the table, even if the cancer risk does not directly translate to humans.
“Today’s action by FDA marks a monumental victory for consumer health and safety,” said Ken Cook, President of Environmental Working Group. Recall that this group was one of the first to call for its ban through press releases and social media campaigns.
List of products containing red dye 3
Candy
- Assorted fruit Pez candies.
- Dubble Bubble Original Twist gum.
- Brach’s Candy Corn.
- Jelly Belly candies.
- Trolli’s Crunchy & Sour Rakes.
Baked goods and snacks
- Entenmann’s Little Bites mini party cake muffins.
- Betty Crocker Fruits au Pie.
- Toasted cakes.
- Cookies with red icing or decorations.
Dairy and frozen desserts
- Strawberry flavored milk.
- Ice pops and frozen fruit bars.
- Certain flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt.
Fruit products
- Certain soft drinks and fruit-flavored beverages.
- Yoo-Hoo strawberry drink.
Medications and supplements
- Certain cough syrups.
- PediaSure Grow & Gain Ready-to-Drink Strawberry Shake for Children.
- Gummy vitamins.
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