On Jan. 15, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of the food dye Red 3 in food and oral medication because of its link to cancer. The petroleum-derived chemical adds a cherry-red color to thousands of foods, from frostings and fruit juices to spice mixes and sausages. It’s an ingredient in many cough syrups and gummy vitamins as well as certain dog and cat foods.
Vibrant dyes have been used in the United States for more than a century to enhance the appeal of food and beverages — and increase sales. According to the business science journal Management Decision, more than 85% of consumers buy products based on color alone.
The FDA banned Red 3 from cosmetics and topical drugs 34 years ago, after a 1988 study confirmed it caused thyroid cancer in rats. The agency announced its intention in 1992 to prohibit the dye’s use in food and oral medications, but no further action was taken “given the resources required to remove this authorization.”
Although Red 3 has not been found to cause cancer in humans, recent research shows that the food additive can cause serious allergic reactions and aggravate pre-existing symptoms of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Consumer protection groups pressured the FDA to act, culminating in a 2022 petition to prohibit the use of the dye that was sponsored by 24 food safety and health organizations — including the Center for Science in the Public Interest and Consumer Reports — and signed by 80,000 concerned citizens. The FDA granted the petition, resulting in this month’s ban.
Dozens of countries made the use of Red 3 illegal in 1994, including Australia, Japan and the members of the European Union. California banned the additive two years ago, and legislation prohibiting its use has been pending in 11 states, including New York.
There are nine more FDA-approved dyes that are being studied for health concerns. Three of them — Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 — have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens like benzidine; Blue 2 can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions.
Manufacturers will have until January 2027 (foods) or January 2028 (oral medications), to reformulate their products. Until then, the best way to know if a product still contains Red 3 is to check the nutrition label, required by law since the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD & C) Act. Red 3 may be listed as FD & C Red No. 3, FD & C Red 3, Red Dye 3, Red 3 or erythrosine.
To avoid food dyes, look for products that use natural colors like beetroot powder, caramel or grape skin. Select simple snacks with fewer ingredients, such as frozen fruit instead of fruit cocktail, chocolate bars instead of candy corn or fruit-infused water instead of artificially colored drinks.
Dr. Mary Jenkins, a contributor to the Herald and member of its board of directors, retired after nearly 40 years as a family practice physician in New York state.