In a long-awaited move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to ban the use of red dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs. This decision comes more than 30 years after initial studies linked the synthetic color additive to cancer in animals, leaving consumers and health advocates alike celebrating what they deem a significant step forward in food safety.
Known scientifically as erythrosine, red dye No. 3 is a synthetic color derived from petroleum and is widely used to impart a bright, cherry-red hue to a variety of products, including candies, beverages, and even some medications. The FDA’s action follows a petition submitted in November 2022 by several advocacy groups, such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Environmental Working Group. These organizations have long highlighted the potential risks of this dye, citing studies that suggest it could cause cancer in animals.
The move is also in line with California’s recent ban in October 2023, which further underscores the growing concerns about the safety of synthetic food dyes. Under the new FDA guidelines, manufacturers of food products using red No. 3 have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products, while those in the pharmaceutical industry have until January 18, 2028. Even imported food products will be required to meet these new regulations.
Red dye No. 3 has been a topic of public debate for decades, with some experts calling the FDA’s delay in taking action a “regulatory paradox.” Despite evidence linking the dye to cancer in animals, it has remained in use in food and drinks, even though it was banned in cosmetics and topical drugs back in 1990 due to similar health concerns. The ban was implemented after research found that the dye caused cancer in high doses in lab rats. However, because the mechanism of cancer caused by the dye did not apply to humans, the FDA continued to allow its use in food products.
The scientific community has remained divided on the matter. The FDA maintains that there is no definitive evidence linking red dye No. 3 to cancer in humans, stating that the exposure levels in food are typically much lower than those that caused harm in animal studies. However, many public health experts argue that the evidence from animal studies alone should have been sufficient for the FDA to act sooner.
Dr. Jerold Mande, a nutrition professor at Harvard University, expressed that the decision was “long overdue” and praised the FDA’s move as a small but necessary step in the right direction. “Hopefully, this signals a renewed effort by the FDA to prioritize consumer safety, despite the pressure from the food industry,” he said.
Consumer health groups hailed the decision as a monumental victory. Ken Cook, co-founder of the Environmental Working Group, described the move as a triumph for public health and safety. He credited the leadership of public health champions who have fought for decades to remove harmful additives from the food supply.
Interestingly, many popular food brands had already begun phasing out the use of red dye No. 3 long before the FDA’s announcement. Ferrara, the maker of Brach’s candies, reported that less than 10% of its products contained the dye, and the company began eliminating it in 2023. Other brands, such as Just Born (makers of PEEPS), are set to fully stop using the dye after Easter of 2024.
In place of red dye No. 3, some manufacturers have turned to red dye No. 40, which has been considered a safer alternative. However, concerns about other synthetic dyes persist. California has already banned red dye No. 40 in foods and drinks served in public schools due to its potential links to behavioral issues and attention problems in children.
The FDA’s decision also aligns the U.S. with the European Union, which banned red dye No. 3 back in 1994. Dr. Jennifer Pomeranz, a public health policy expert at New York University, pointed out that the European Union’s precautionary approach has led to more stringent safety measures, which the U.S. could learn from.
Despite this positive change, experts believe that there is still much work to be done to reform the FDA’s outdated food safety system. Dr. Thomas Galligan, a scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, remarked that while the decision on red dye No. 3 was a step forward, the broader regulatory landscape requires urgent reform to prevent similar delays in the future.
Consumers who are eager to avoid red dye No. 3 in their diets can check ingredient labels, where the dye is listed as “red 3” or “FD&C Red No. 3.” The Center for Science in the Public Interest recommends avoiding all artificial food dyes, including red No. 40 and yellow No. 5, as they are often found in processed foods and have been linked to various health concerns.
As the ban comes into effect, it marks a crucial moment in the ongoing fight for food safety and consumer protection. While red dye No. 3 may soon be a thing of the past, the conversation surrounding artificial additives in our food is far from over. The FDA’s actions may set the stage for a broader reevaluation of food safety regulations and the role of artificial additives in our diets.
