Outgoing US President Joe Biden’s administration on Wednesday announced a ban on Red Dye No 3, a controversial food and drug coloring long known to cause cancer in animals.
Decades after scientific evidence first raised alarm, Red 3, as it is also called, is currently used in nearly 3,000 food products in the United States, according to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.
“FDA is revoking the authorized uses in food and ingested drugs of FD&C Red No 3 in the color additive regulations,” said a document from the Department of Health and Human Services, published in the Federal Register on Wednesday.
The decision follows a petition filed in November 2022 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and other advocacy groups, which cited the “Delaney Clause” — a provision mandating the prohibition of any color additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.
“Today’s action by FDA is long overdue, is a small step in the right direction, and hopefully signals a renewed effort by FDA to do its job despite the many barriers the food industry places in its way,” said Dr. Jerold Mande, adjunct professor of nutrition at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, via email.
According to CNN, The recent ruling represents a significant triumph for consumer health and safety, as highlighted by Ken Cook, cofounder and president of the Environmental Working Group, in a recent news release.
“This momentous decision is a testament to years of dedicated advocacy,” he stated, emphasizing the pivotal role played by public health champions like Michael Jacobson, who have fought relentlessly for decades on behalf of consumers.
Red dye No. 3, a synthetic colorant, is commonly found in a wide array of candy, food, and beverage products.
However, many of the most well-known brands have either never incorporated this additive into their recipes or have already taken steps to eliminate it.
For instance, Ferrara, the parent company of Brach’s candies, reported that fewer than 10% of its products still contain red dye No. 3, having begun the phase-out process earlier in 2023, according to statements made by a spokesperson via email.
In addition, Just Born, the company famous for its PEEPS marshmallow treats, confirmed that it ceased the use of red dye No. 3 following the Easter holiday of 2024, as shared by a representative from the company.
In response to growing health concerns, some manufacturers have opted for red dye No. 40, which is frequently perceived as a safer alternative due to its lack of extensive associations with cancer in animal studies.
However, California recently took a precautionary measure, banning red dye No. 40 in food and beverage products sold within public schools as of September.
This decision stemmed from rising apprehensions about potential links between the dye and behavioral or attention-related issues in children.
Alarmingly, one study suggested a possible connection to accelerated tumor growth in the immune systems of mice, while additional reports have pointed out that red dye No. 40 contains benzene, a known carcinogen, further intensifying the ongoing debate surrounding its safety.
