FDA Bans Red Dye 3 from Food: How to Identify It in Products/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The FDA has officially banned Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine, from foods and oral medications due to its cancer-causing potential in animal studies. The dye, already prohibited in cosmetics, will be phased out by 2027 for food products and 2028 for medications. Shoppers should check ingredient labels for Red 3, especially in candies, snacks, and strawberry-flavored items.
FDA Ban on Red Dye 3: Key Details
- Reason for the Ban: Cancer-causing evidence in rats prompted the FDA to revoke Red 3’s approval for food and oral medications, decades after its ban in cosmetics.
- Phase-Out Timeline: Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to comply, while oral medication makers have until January 2028.
- Consumer Advocacy Impact: The decision follows years of advocacy, including a 2022 petition by health groups and pressure from lawmakers.
- Common Products Affected: Candies, snacks, strawberry-flavored dairy products, and some medications often include Red 3.
FDA Bans Red Dye 3 from Food: How to Identify It in Products
Deep Look: Red Dye 3 Ban and Its Implications
The Long Road to the Ban
The FDA’s decision comes nearly 35 years after Red 3 was prohibited in cosmetics due to its cancer-causing potential. The action was driven by the Delaney Clause, which mandates a ban on additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
Products Containing Red 3
Red 3 has been widely used to give products a vibrant red color.
- Candies: Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Candy Corn often contain Red 3, while Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers use Red 40.
- Snacks and Baked Goods: Betty Crocker Red Decorating Icing uses Red 3, but Pillsbury’s Funfetti Frosting uses Red 40.
- Dairy and Frozen Foods: TruMoo Strawberry Milk includes Red 3, while Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream uses beet juice.
- Medications: Some gummy vitamins and cough syrups still use Red 3, though others opt for natural alternatives.
Consumer Advocacy and Public Opinion
A 2022 petition by health advocates and a letter from Congress demanded the FDA’s action, citing children’s higher consumption rates of foods containing Red 3.
- Public Sentiment: According to an AP-NORC poll, two-thirds of Americans support restricting or reformulating processed foods to remove harmful additives like Red 3.
- Regional Bans: Red 3 is banned for food use in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and will be restricted in California starting in 2027.
Challenges and Industry Response
- Legal Risks: FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf warned that bans often face legal challenges from manufacturers.
- Industry Pushback: The International Association of Color Manufacturers defends Red 3, citing studies that show it is safe in typical consumption levels.
- Reformulation Efforts: Many manufacturers have already replaced Red 3 with alternatives like beet juice, carmine, and pigments from red cabbage.
How to Avoid Red 3
Consumers can protect themselves by checking ingredient labels for terms like “Red 3,” “FD&C Red No. 3,” or “erythrosine.” Look for products that use natural dyes like beet juice or annatto.
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