Red No. 3 to Be Phased Out After FDA Ban

Red No. 3 to Be Phased Out After FDA Ban
Red No. 3 to Be Phased Out After FDA Ban

United States: The FDA recently moved to protect consumers further by banning Red No. 3 artificial colouring which has been found to cause cancer in animals. This ban will extend across food products such as candies, pastries, cereals, and drinks among more across food products with being fully enforced by 2027.

What Is Red No. 3?

Red No. 3 is petroleum based dye which had been used in food since around 1907. However, once some trials conducted in 1980s associated the dye with cancer in rats, the product raised the questions. However, it has been legal to be used in foods until now, as reported by NBC News.

Health concerns and consumer advocacy

CSPI and several lawmakers have been pushing for the ban with studies showing that Red No. 3 can cause cancer in humans and may also affect the behavior of children. Lead is not good for people, the dye has been banned in cosmetics from 1990 but was still in food products.

Impact on Food Manufacturers

Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to comply with the ban, with an additional year for dietary supplement manufacturers. Some companies have already switched to natural pigments in place of Red No. 3.

Global Action and U.S. States’ Response

Australia, Japan and some members of European Union have banned or put restrictions on the use of Red No. 3. Furthermore, ten states including California have made efforts to ban the dye apart from the FDA’s decision.

The FDA’s Role and Future Steps

The FDA’s decision reflects its responsibility to ensure food safety. With this ban, it aligns with its commitment to protecting public health from unnecessary hazards. However, concerns over artificial food dyes and their effects on children’s behavior continue to be monitored, as reported by NBC News.