Future of artificial food dyes after banning of Red 3
Experts have detailed what could come next for artificial food dyes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned red dye No. 3.
The FDA’s decision is aligned with a federal statute requiring the agency to ban additives known to cause cancer in animals and follows the results of several studies demonstrating that Red 3, also known as erythrosine, can cause cancer in laboratory rats, according to a news report from the Associated Press.
Although the FDA’s decision is expected to lay the groundwork for the removal of Red 3 from candies, cough syrup and baked and frozen products in the United States, experts cited in the article emphasized that a slew of artificial food dyes — including Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B — are still present in other food products. They noted that these dyes are comprised of petroleum-based chemicals designed to make foods appear more vibrant in color. Some artificial food dyes have been linked to behavioral issues in childhood.
Food and drug manufacturers have been given a deadline of January 2027 and January 2028, respectively, to remove Red 3 from their food products.
Read more: Associated Press
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