US Bans Red Dye No. 3 Due to Cancer Concerns
The outgoing administration of U.S. President Joe Biden made a significant announcement on Wednesday by imposing a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a contentious food and drug coloring agent that has been linked to cancer in animals.
Concerns Raised by Environmental Working Group
Decades after initial scientific warnings, Red 3, a commonly used food additive found in nearly 3,000 products across the United States, is facing prohibition. The Environmental Working Group highlighted the widespread use of this colorant in various food items.
Revocation of Authorized Uses
A document from the Department of Health and Human Services, published in the Federal Register, announced the revocation of authorized uses of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs. This decision comes following a petition filed by advocacy groups referencing the "Delaney Clause," which prohibits cancer-causing additives.
History of Red Dye No. 3
Since 1990, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with Red 3, leading to its ban in cosmetics due to its connection to thyroid cancer in laboratory animals. Despite this, the food industry continued to use the additive in various food products.
Resistance from Food Industry
The resistance from manufacturers, such as those producing maraschino cherries, who relied on Red 3 to maintain the vibrant red color of their products, contributed to the prolonged use of the dye in the food industry. It is a common ingredient in numerous candies, snacks, and fruit items.
Global Response to Red Dye No. 3
While the United States is now taking action, it lags behind other major economies in addressing the concerns related to Red Dye No. 3. The European Union, Japan, China, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand have already implemented bans on this controversial color additive.
CSPI's Reaction and Future Hopes
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) welcomed the long-overdue decision and expressed optimism that it would pave the way for further actions against potentially harmful chemicals in food products. CSPI emphasized the lack of nutritional value provided by such additives and called for increased scrutiny over food safety regulations.
