Could this Red Dye Disappear from Your Favorite Foods?

The FDA is on the verge of deciding whether to ban a controversial artificial red food dye due to health concerns.

At a Glance

The FDA is contemplating a ban on red dye No. 3.
Concerns include potential cancer risks and behavioral issues in children.
Red dye No. 3 is banned in the EU and from U.S. cosmetics.
A 2022 petition is under FDA review to ban the dye from foods.
California implemented a ban on red dye No. 3 in 2023.

The Controversial Red Dye

Red dye No. 3, an additive in candies, soft drinks, and cereals, has been under scrutiny for decades. This ingredient is petroleum-based, raising alarms about its safety. Studies from 1990 suggested carcinogenic effects, leading to its ban from cosmetic applications. Today, the FDA surpasses those claims by maintaining its safety in food products at regulated levels.

Despite the FDA’s position, numerous objections exist regarding health implications, citing potential cancer risks and neurological effects, particularly in children. Many consumer and health advocacy groups persistently call for FDA action to protect the public.

The FDA may finally move to ban Red No. 3, which is made from petroleum and gives food and drinks a bright cherry color.

A decision is expected in the coming weeks. https://t.co/oxjLuJyVRj

— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 7, 2024

Regulatory Actions and Public Pressure

A petition filed in 2022 by health organizations has prompted the FDA’s deliberation on banning red dye No. 3. Various states have already taken a stand. California implemented a ban in 2023, prompting other states, like Illinois and New York, to consider similar legislation.

On the opposition front, the National Confectioners Association argues that state bans create fragmented regulations, potentially increasing costs for consumers. The FDA’s eventual decision holds the potential to unify regulatory approaches across the nation.

Global and Scientific Perspectives

Red dye No. 3 is largely prohibited in the European Union, where post-market chemical reviews offer a model of stringent safety evaluations. Experts and consumer groups advocating for a U.S. ban emphasize that the dye offers no nutritional benefits, only serving to enhance product appeal.

“These food dyes only serve one function in food, to make them look pretty so you and I want to buy it, it’s a marketing tool.” – Thomas Galligan

The FDA is now considering improvements to its post-market chemical review processes, with red dye No. 3 marked as a priority for reassessment. As the agency contemplates actions, its stance on additives will set a precedent for food safety regulations in the U.S.