The United States is moving toward eliminating a food dye linked to significant health concerns, such as cancer, according to research findings.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering prohibiting the use of this dye, which is prevalent in beverages, snacks, cereals, and confectionery items.
Known as Red 3, this dye is derived from petroleum and imparts a bright, cherry red hue to food and drinks.
I must admit, foods with such vivid colors make me uneasy—they don’t appear natural. Still, I indulged in plenty of those colorful candies during my childhood…
Numerous countries across Europe, Asia, and Australasia, including the UK, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand, have already prohibited this additive.
In contrast, the US stopped using Red 3 in cosmetics back in 1990, and in 2023, California became the pioneer state in banning it as a food additive.
A total of ten states—Washington, South Dakota, Missouri, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, and West Virginia—have put forth their own proposals to limit the additive’s use.
Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, noted that it’s been over ten years since the synthetic color additive Red No. 40 underwent a safety review.
During a recent Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee meeting, he mentioned: “With Red 3, we have a petition in front of us to revoke the authorization board, and we’re hopeful that in the next few weeks we’ll be acting on that petition.”
Frank Pallone Jr, House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member, expressed concern: “With the holiday season in full swing where sweet treats are abundant, it is frightening that this chemical remains hidden in these foods that we and our children are eating.
“While food companies must ensure that the food they market is safe, they are also only required to ensure that their products meet FDA’s standards. This means that thousands of products that contain this chemical can remain on the market.”
Studies have indicated that Red 3 might be a carcinogen, with long-term animal feeding experiments showing it can lead to ‘adenomas and carcinomas of the thyroid gland’.
Additionally, it might play a role in increasing hyperactivity in children, which has been associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Red 3 is not the only potentially harmful dye still in use within the United States.
The National Institute of Health has found evidence suggesting several other dyes, including Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, have carcinogenic properties as they contain benzidine or other similar chemicals.
Moreover, at least four dyes—Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6—are known to induce hypersensitivity reactions.