U.S. Finally Bans Cancer-Linked Red Dye No. 3 After Decades Of Concern

What is Red Dye?

 
Red Dye 3 also known as Erythrosine is a cherry red colour of synthetic food dye derived from petroleum.  
 
Dye 3 quickly became famous as it was for the use in cosmetics and food products like sodas, gams as well as chloroform and other types of paint. The FDA granted approval for using the dye in cosmetics and food over the lack of proper standards for maintaining safety.  
 
A wide variety of products use Red Dye 3 including Candy Corn, Jelly Beans, Wonderful Fanta Flavored Drink, Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal, Barnum's Animals Crackers, and Burger King’s strawberry milkshake. It is used in processed meat, frozen treats, candy and drinks.

The health concerns

The possible nature of Red dye number three as a potential carcinogen is what gives it a lot of concern. In the end 20th century research, it was found to cause thyroid tumors in lab rats at high doses and was therefore prohibited in cosmetics by the FDA. Because of the Delaney Clause, which does not allow the FDA to approve food additives that have been shown to cause cancer in humans or other animals, this dye has been used in foods or drugs. Nevertheless, it was still on the market. 

More recently, in a review done by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in 2021, Red dye number 3 was found to be associated with hyperactivity and other similar behavioral issues in children. Many consumer protection groups and scientists have recommended restrictions, while FDA has also insisted that such consumer protection is exaggerated, since there is no definite human harm at approved levels.

The push for change

Banning the Red Dye No. 3 looks like it has been getting a lot of attention for years now. Over two years ago, over 20 advocacy groups including Consumer Reports along with Environmental Working Group urged the FDA to get rid of the dye in the food supply. In 2023, California became the first state to ban the usage of dyes in foods with a gradual decrease in compliance until 2027 for full ban. Click on this to see how California is resisting food dyes as well as other ultra-processed foods. 

Now, the major corporations have started to adapt as well. General Mills has promised to abide by California's forthcoming regulations whereas Ferrara Candy Co. has started reformulating their products. This evergrowing movement is part of a wider movement that involves adhering to artificial additives that are present in food .