Is your favorite food banned? The truth about the ingredient behind these recent bans
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As we navigate the aisles of our local supermarkets, we often take for granted the vibrant colors that greet us from every shelf.
From the glistening red of maraschino cherries to the playful hues of candy corn, these colors have long been a staple of our food experience.
But what if I told you that one of these iconic colors, Red Dye No. 3, has been hiding a not-so-sweet secret?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently announced a ban on Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that has been adding a pop of color to certain foods, candies, beverages, and even some oral medicines and supplements for years.
The reason behind the ban is quite alarming: studies have shown that Red No. 3 can cause cancer in animals.
While the link between the dye and cancer in humans remains unproven due to ethical and technical challenges in research, the FDA is taking no chances.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the agency is prohibited from authorizing any color additive known to induce cancer in humans or animals.
This isn't the first time Red No. 3 has been under scrutiny.
Back in 1990, the FDA prohibited its use in cosmetics and topical drugs after a study linked the additive to tumors in male lab rats. Yet, it remained a common ingredient in many food products.
Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), refers to this as a “regulatory paradox,” questioning why a substance deemed unsafe for cosmetics could still be consumed, especially by children.
“We’re thrilled that the FDA has finally taken action to remove this unneeded color additive for the market and in so doing has followed the clear dictates of the law," he said.
The FDA has given food manufacturers until January 15, 2027, to remove Red No. 3 from their products, while drug manufacturers have until January 18, 2028, to eliminate it from ingestible medicines.
This gradual phase-out is designed to give the industry time to adapt and reformulate their products.
You might be wondering which of your favorite treats contain Red No. 3. The list is extensive, and it's not just limited to sweets. Here are some common products that may feature this controversial dye:
And it's not just food. Some oral medications and supplements, such as acetaminophen (pain reliever), fluoxetine (antidepressant), gabapentin (anticonvulsant), andomeprazole (heartburn treatment) may also contain Red No. 3.
With the ban on the horizon, it's more important than ever to be an informed consumer. Not every product in the categories listed above will contain Red No. 3, but it's crucial to check food labels before making a purchase.
The dye, if present, will be listed as FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red 3, or simply Red 3.
The United States isn't alone in its cautious approach to Red No. 3. Many other countries, including Japan, Australia, and members of the European Union, have already banned or restricted the use of this dye in food products.
While some reds are harmful, some may be helpful. Learn how adding red meat to your diet can boost your health in this story here.
Have you ever experienced adverse effects from food additives? Are you planning to make changes to your diet in light of this ban? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
From the glistening red of maraschino cherries to the playful hues of candy corn, these colors have long been a staple of our food experience.
But what if I told you that one of these iconic colors, Red Dye No. 3, has been hiding a not-so-sweet secret?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently announced a ban on Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that has been adding a pop of color to certain foods, candies, beverages, and even some oral medicines and supplements for years.
The reason behind the ban is quite alarming: studies have shown that Red No. 3 can cause cancer in animals.
While the link between the dye and cancer in humans remains unproven due to ethical and technical challenges in research, the FDA is taking no chances.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the agency is prohibited from authorizing any color additive known to induce cancer in humans or animals.
The FDA has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, due to evidence that it can cause cancer in animals. Image source: Madison Inouye / Pexels.
This isn't the first time Red No. 3 has been under scrutiny.
Back in 1990, the FDA prohibited its use in cosmetics and topical drugs after a study linked the additive to tumors in male lab rats. Yet, it remained a common ingredient in many food products.
Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), refers to this as a “regulatory paradox,” questioning why a substance deemed unsafe for cosmetics could still be consumed, especially by children.
“We’re thrilled that the FDA has finally taken action to remove this unneeded color additive for the market and in so doing has followed the clear dictates of the law," he said.
The FDA has given food manufacturers until January 15, 2027, to remove Red No. 3 from their products, while drug manufacturers have until January 18, 2028, to eliminate it from ingestible medicines.
This gradual phase-out is designed to give the industry time to adapt and reformulate their products.
You might be wondering which of your favorite treats contain Red No. 3. The list is extensive, and it's not just limited to sweets. Here are some common products that may feature this controversial dye:
- Seasonal candies and dyed marshmallows
- Cakes, cupcakes, and their frostings
- Strawberry-flavored frozen desserts like ice pops and ice creams
- Maraschino cherries and fruit cocktails
- Colored beverages, including some protein shakes
- Vegetarian meats and bacon bits
- Sausages and strawberry milk
- Puddings
And it's not just food. Some oral medications and supplements, such as acetaminophen (pain reliever), fluoxetine (antidepressant), gabapentin (anticonvulsant), andomeprazole (heartburn treatment) may also contain Red No. 3.
With the ban on the horizon, it's more important than ever to be an informed consumer. Not every product in the categories listed above will contain Red No. 3, but it's crucial to check food labels before making a purchase.
The dye, if present, will be listed as FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red 3, or simply Red 3.
The United States isn't alone in its cautious approach to Red No. 3. Many other countries, including Japan, Australia, and members of the European Union, have already banned or restricted the use of this dye in food products.
While some reds are harmful, some may be helpful. Learn how adding red meat to your diet can boost your health in this story here.
Have you ever experienced adverse effects from food additives? Are you planning to make changes to your diet in light of this ban? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
