FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 in Food: Cancer Concerns Prompt Action – The Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America banned the use of Red dye No.3 . Furthermore, Red Dye No.3 is also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No.3 . This dye is widely used in food products, beverages and ingested drugs.  However, the decision to ban Red Dye No.3 was based on studies. The studies indicated that the red Dye caused cancer in the laboratory rats. In this article, we will discuss in detail the recent ban of the Red Dye NO.3.

What is Red Dye No.3

The Red Dye No.3 is a synthetic colour. Moreover, the synthetic colour red dye is used to give a bright red colour to food items. Red Dye NO.3 is used in many food items such as candies, cakes and beverages. However, the synthetic colour Red Dye No.3 was a health concern. Moreover, the Red Dye No.3 has carcinogenic properties.

FDA bans red dye No.3

The Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to ban the use of synthetic food colour Red Dye NO.3.  Furthermore, it has been decades since the food colour has been linked to the potential cancer risk. The Red Dye No.3 was approved in the year 1907. Since it has been approved this synthetic dye is a staple in popular food products. The dye is used in cakes, cupcakes, beverages, candies and drugs. Many studies raised concerns about the use of Red Dye No.3 since it has the potential to cause cancer. Moreover, studies showed that high doses of Red Dye No.3 caused tumours in male rats. Although there were concerns about the studies, the FDA did not take immediate action. The FDA cited that the effect of Red Dye No.3 in humans is not available.

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Pressure from various groups to ban the Red Dye No.3 

However, lawmakers and various advocacy groups worked to take strong action against the use of red Dye No.3. This made the FDA revisit their stand on the use of Red Dye No.3 in Foods. On January 15, the FDA announced that they would remove Red No.3 from their list of approved colour additives.  Moreover, the FDA cited the Delaney Clause. It is a law that bans the use of food additives that cause cancer to animals or humans.

The Centre for Science in the Public Interest led the petition to remove Red Dye No.3 from the food items. However, that organisation applauded the move of the FDA.  Furthermore, the group pointed out that red dye No. 3 is banned in cosmetic items. Additionally, the use of red No3 remained legal in the food items. The FDA also had pressure from almost two dozen lawmakers to ban Red Dye No.3 . They wanted the FDA to ban the use of RED no.3 for the sake of Children. The group stated that no aesthetic reason could justify the use of carcinogens in the food supply.

The reason behind the ban of Red Dye No.3

The Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red Dye No.3. Furthermore, the recent ban is based on the studies. Recent studies showed that it has cancer-causing effects in male rats. However, similar effects are not demonstrated in humans. Moreover, the food manufacturers have to remove the use of Red Dye No.3 . Within January 15, 2027, the food manufacturer has to remove the dye from their products. Moreover, the Drup manufacturers have to remove the use of Red Dye No.3 from January 18, 2028.

Foods that have red Dye No.3 

Various food products in the USA contain synthetic food colour red Dye No.3. however, some of the food items that contain red Dye No.3 are the following

• Candies  and marshmallows
• Coloured beverages, cock tails, fruit drinks such as Yoo-hoo Strawberry drink
• Cupcakes and cakes 
• Certain protein Shakes
• puddings
• Some kind of bacon bits and sausages

Moreover, some of the drugs that have Red Dye No.3 are

• Acetaminophen, pain reliever drug
• Fluoxetine,  antidepressant drug
• Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant
• Omeprazole: drug to treat heartburn.

Conclusion

The Ban of the Red Dye No.3 is a major development in food safety regulation. With the ban on cancer-causing synthetic colours, the authorities are trying to protect public health. Additionally, the bam of the Red Dye No.3 is based on the study and research. Moreover, the food industry has to adapt to the change in the approval of drugs. The Food and Drug industry has to remove the use of Red Dye No. 3 from their products. In this article, we have discussed in detail the ban on Red Dye No.,3 in Food items.

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FAQs

Why The Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red Dye No.3?

The FDA banned the use of Red Dye No.3 because the studies revealed that it caused cancer-causing effects on lab rats. Moreover, this study has caused concern about the safety of Red Dye NO. 3. Red Dye No. 3 is widely used in foods, drinks and drugs.

What are the products that are affected by the ban on Red Dye No.3?

Food Products, beverages and drugs that have Red Dye No. 3 have to be removed from their products. Various candies, deserts, cakes and beverages use the Red Dye No. 3 to get red colour.

What are other countries that have banned or restricted the use of Red Dye No.3?

The other countries that banned the use of Red Dye N0. 3 are Japan, Australia and New Zealand.