WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Food & Drug Administration announced Wednesday it’s amending its color additive regulations to no longer allow the use of Red No. 3 in any foods, drinks, or ingested drugs.
The FDA says it’s been actively reviewing the approval of Red No. 3 for years after a petition was filed by a coalition of organizations noting its potential cancer risks and its impact on children.
Nora Demers, a biology expert at Florida Gulf Coast University, and Francisco Diez, a food science expert at the University of Georgia tell us, they agree, banning Red No. 3 from all food products is a step in the right direction.
“This is absolutely a positive move,” Demers said.
“From a public health point of view you would say that, yes, it’s a good move,” Diez added.
Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. It’s typically found in sweets and some ingested drugs like acetaminophen.
“All sorts of ultra-processed foods that have bright colors that are being marketed to appeal to children,” said Demers.
Jamie Alan, a toxicology expert at Michigan State University tells us, there’s no need to panic. If you have food with Red No. 3 in it, you don’t have to throw everything away.
“It’s going to be just fine to consume what you have,” Alan said.
The dye, which is made from petroleum, was approved for use in foods back in 1907. But Alan says for years advocacy groups have been fighting to get its approval revoked.
Red Dye No. 3, while it has significant health concerns along with that potential risk for cancer, it can also cause behavioral problems specifically in children,” Alan said.
Alan says although the dye is now banned, other synthetic dyes, like Red No. 40, are still allowed to be used. Which is why she hopes Wednesday’s news leads to a more in-depth conversation.
“Whether to ban synthetic dyes all around or whether to ban a larger proportion of synthetic dyes,” said Alan.
The FDA has given food manufacturers until January 15th, 2027 to remove all Red No. 3 from its products. Dietary supplements will get an additional year. Some states like California, already have a ban in place.
