The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic food coloring that has been linked to cancer in animals. This artificial dye, commonly used to color products like candies, cereals, fruit cocktail cherries, and strawberry-flavored milkshakes, will no longer be allowed in food items. The decision follows a petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a food safety advocacy group, urging the FDA to remove the dye due to its potential health risks.
Background on Red No. 3 and Its Risks
Red No. 3, approved by the FDA in 1907, has been used in thousands of food products. However, research conducted in the 1980s found that the dye caused tumors in male rats, leading to concerns about its carcinogenic effects. Despite this, it remained legally allowed in food until now, although it had already been banned in cosmetics since 1990 under the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the use of substances known to cause cancer in humans or animals.
Consumer Advocacy Victory and Impact
The FDA’s move to ban Red No. 3 is seen as a significant win for consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers who have long pushed for the removal of this potentially harmful substance. Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the CSPI, expressed relief that the FDA is finally addressing the inconsistency of allowing Red No. 3 in food while banning it in cosmetics. Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, also welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of removing cancer-causing chemicals from the food supply.
The FDA’s Decision and Future Considerations
Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products, while companies producing dietary supplements will have an additional year to comply. This ban follows a broader trend of concerns about the safety of artificial food dyes. While Red No. 3 has been banned, other dyes, such as Red No. 40, remain approved despite their links to behavioral issues in children.
State and Global Actions Against Red No. 3
California was the first state to ban Red No. 3 in 2023, followed by other states that have taken similar action. Internationally, countries like Australia, Japan, and members of the European Union have also restricted or banned the use of Red No. 3. U.S. food manufacturers are already removing the dye from their products, and the National Confectioners Association has expressed its commitment to complying with the FDA’s new regulation.
Bipartisan Support for FDA’s Action
The decision to ban Red No. 3 has garnered bipartisan support, with both Democrats and Republicans recognizing the importance of ensuring food safety. California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who spearheaded the state’s ban on Red No. 3, sees this as a sign that increased pressure on the FDA is working and expects further actions on food safety to follow.
Looking Ahead: FDA’s Ongoing Review of Artificial Dyes
The FDA’s decision on Red No. 3 signals a broader commitment to reviewing the safety of artificial food additives. While the agency has not yet banned other synthetic dyes, consumer advocacy groups are hopeful that this move will prompt further scrutiny of other potentially harmful additives in food. The FDA continues to review the risks associated with artificial dyes and their potential impact on children’s health.
In conclusion, the FDA’s ban on Red No. 3 marks a crucial step toward safer food practices, and it reflects the growing national movement to hold food manufacturers accountable for the ingredients they use.
PENULIS MUHAMMAD FITRAH RAJASA