The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced a ban on red dye No. 3, or erythrosine, from foods and oral medications due to a possible risk of cancer.
Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye (Red 3) from their products, and drug manufacturers have until January 2028, as reported by the Associated Press.
The dye was removed from cosmetics almost 35 years ago due to the same cancer-related concerns.
FDA BANS RED FOOD DYE DUE TO POSSIBLE CANCER RISK
Following the announcement of the new ban on Wednesday, nutritionists and other health experts welcomed the removal of the additives from the US products. food supply.
Red 3 can be found in a variety of food products, most commonly candies and colorful candies. (iStock)
Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein shared her excitement about the FDA “finally” banning the synthetic food coloring that has been in strawberry-flavored candy, cereal and drinks for “far too long.”
‘The bizarre thing is that this decision was made over thirty years ago after the same dye was banned in cosmetics such as lipstick because there was sufficient evidence linking it to cancer in animals,” she told Fox News Digital.
“For years, consumer advocacy groups and researchers have been pushing for this change, citing not only cancer risks but also potential links to hyperactivity and ADHD in children.”
A certified holistic nutritionist (not pictured) warned that red food coloring No. 3 is in some products that “you would never expect.” (iStock)
Certified holistic nutritionist and founder of The Power of Food Education, New York-based Robin DeCicco, noted that “it’s about time” Red 3 was banned.
“It has never made sense to me why the dye was removed from lipsticks and blushes 30 years ago, but ended up in our food supply,” she reiterated to Fox News Digital. “There has been evidence for decades that the dye causes cancer in rats.”
“Our kids deserved better, and it’s frustrating that it took so long for action to be taken.”
Muhlstein said that while the ban is a “clear victory for public health”, she still feels “frustrated” that it took so long.
“The FDA became aware of the risks in the 1980s, and other countries, such as those in the EU, banned red dye No. 3 three years ago,” she noted. “Yet major food manufacturers have lobbied hard to delay this decision because these artificial colorings are cheap, convenient and profitable.”
Red food coloring No. 3 is often used in strawberry flavor, according to experts. (iStock)
The dye was often used in products mainly marketed to childrenshe noted, such as colorful lollipops, candies and cereals.
“Our children deserved better, and it is frustrating that it has taken so long for action to be taken,” Muhlstein added.
‘Stay informed’
Muhlstein noted that while the ban is a “step forward,” it is also a reminder to “stay on top of what we’re doing.” feed our families.”
Red food coloring No. 3 is found in other products that aren’t so obvious, according to experts, including some pre-packaged vegan meats, fruit cups, mini muffin snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice and sugar-free water flavors.
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DeCicco encouraged consumers to always read the ingredients label and look for natural substitutes for these products.
The dye was often used in products sold mainly to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals. (iStock)
“It’s not about deprivation or restriction – I always say it’s about eating food with high-quality ingredients,” she said. “The ingredients are more important than anything, and they are there.”
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“I have worked with many families with children with ADHD, and… remove sugar and artificial colors and food additives may reduce symptoms in some cases (as part of treatment),” DeCicco added.
Colorful food without carcinogens
Although nutritionists recommend consumers stay away from foods that contain red food coloring or erythrosine on the label, there are healthier, natural alternatives to keep eating fun.
According to nutritionists, using alternatives to red food coloring, such as pomegranate juice or fruit powder, can keep eating fun. (iStock)
Muhlstein recommends adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice to a baking recipe, such as vanilla cake, to give the batter a natural red hue.
She also suggests mixing crushed, freeze-dried strawberries with white icing or whipped cream.
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“Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder and even pureed raspberries are also great alternatives,” she added.
Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
