The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of red dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, in food and oral medications due to concerns over potential cancer risks.
The dye, which has been found in a wide range of products such as candies, cereals, and strawberry-flavored drinks, will be phased out by January 2027 for food products and by January 2028 for medications.
This move follows a similar ban on red dye No. 3 in cosmetics nearly 35 years ago, based on evidence showing its carcinogenic effects in animal studies. Health experts, including nutritionists, have long criticized the continued use of the dye in food products, despite its removal from personal care items.
Ilana Muhlstein, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist, expressed relief that the FDA has finally taken action.
“It’s wild that this decision comes over three decades after the same dye was banned in cosmetics,” Muhlstein commented. “For years, consumer advocacy groups and researchers have raised alarms about the cancer risks, as well as potential links to hyperactivity and ADHD in children.”
Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, who operates in New York, echoed similar sentiments, calling the ban “long overdue.” She highlighted the inconsistency of the dye being banned in cosmetics but not in food, despite decades of evidence showing it could cause cancer in rats.
“Our kids deserved better, and it’s frustrating that it took this long for action to be taken,” DeCicco said.
The dye has been widely used in products marketed to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies, and breakfast cereals. Nutritionists are especially concerned because of its prevalence in products that children consume regularly.
“It’s frustrating that it took so long for the FDA to act,” Muhlstein added.
She pointed out that many other countries, including those in the European Union, banned red dye No. 3 years ago.
Despite the FDA’s new decision, nutritionists urge consumers to remain vigilant about food labeling and to seek out healthier alternatives.
“It’s not about deprivation or restriction – it’s about eating foods with high-quality ingredients,” DeCicco said.
He advised families to read labels and explore natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes.
For those looking for substitutes, there are a variety of natural options available, including pomegranate juice, beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. These alternatives can help maintain vibrant colors in foods without the harmful effects of artificial dyes.
While the ban is seen as a significant step forward for public health, nutritionists emphasize the importance of staying informed about what goes into the foods we consume, especially for vulnerable groups like children.
“It’s a reminder to stay informed about what we’re feeding our families,” Muhlstein said.
She urged consumers to be mindful of food additives and to embrace healthier alternatives whenever possible.
With input from FOX News and the Associated Press.
