FDA bans red paint no. 3 use in food

Roommates, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cracking down on a popular candy and snack supplement. According to Associated Pressthe agency has decided to ban red dye no. 3 in the national food supply. Other names for red include erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3 or Red 3.

More information about the red color ban no. 3

The FDA made the move to comply with a 2022 petition that pointed to the dangers of the red hue. More than two dozen food safety and health advocates signed the petition.

However, concerns about the red dye date back decades. Specifically, 35 years have passed since the last time No. 3 was allowed in cosmetics. Studies have shown the development of cancer in laboratory rats exposed to the dye. However, Jim Jones, the agency's deputy food commissioner, said FD&C Red no. 3 does not cause cancer in humans and rats in the same way.

Nevertheless, the FDA adheres to the Delaney Clause, which requires it to ban any substance that can cause cancer in living things. This new ban means that the red dye cannot be used in food, nutritional supplements and oral medicines such as cough syrups.

What will happen next?

Although the FDA recently announced the red ban, it gives food manufacturers additional time to course-correct. Manufacturers will have until January 2027 to remove dyes, while drug manufacturers will have until January 2028. California banned the substance starting in January 2027. Even imported goods will be subject to the new US requirement. Countries in Europe and Australia have already banned Red 3.

Note that it is unclear whether food manufacturers will oppose a ban, especially without evidence of cancer effects in humans. However, some manufacturers have already started substituting Red 3 for food pigments from beet juice, purple sweet potatoes, radishes and red cabbage. Carmine, a dye made from insects, has also been used.

What do you think, rooms?

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