The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced the banning of red dye No. 3 (erythrosine) from food and oral medications due to its potential cancer risks.
Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye (Red 3) from their products, and drug manufacturers have until January 2028 to remove the dye, the Associated Press reports.
The dye was removed from cosmetics nearly 35 years ago due to the same cancer-related concerns.
FDA bans red food dye due to possible cancer risk
Following Wednesday’s announcement of the new ban, nutritionists and other health experts praised the removal of the additive from the U.S. food supply.
Red 3 is found in a variety of foods, most commonly candy and colorful sweets. (St. Petersburg)
Ilana Muhlstein, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian, expressed her excitement that the FDA has “finally” banned artificial coloring that has been in candy, cereal, and strawberry-flavored drinks “for far too long.” Ta.
“What is strange is that this decision was made more than 30 years after the same dye was banned from being used in cosmetic products such as lipstick because there was sufficient evidence that it was linked to cancer in animals. I mean,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“For years, consumer advocates and researchers have been pushing for this change, pointing to cancer risks as well as potential links to hyperactivity and ADHD in children.”
A certified holistic nutritionist (not pictured) warned that some products contained the “unexpected” red dye No.3. (St. Petersburg)
Robin DeCicco, a certified holistic nutritionist and founder of New York-based The Power of Food Education, said it was “time for Red 3 to be banned.”
“I never understood why pigments were removed from lipsticks and blushers 30 years ago and are now allowed to be in our food,” she reiterated to FOX News Digital. “There has been evidence for decades that this dye causes cancer in rats.”
“Our children deserve better and it is unfortunate that it has taken this long for action to be taken.”
Muhlstein said the ban is a “clear victory for public health” but remains “frustrated” that it took so long.
“The FDA recognized the risks in the 1980s, and other countries, including EU countries, also banned red dye No. three years ago,” she noted. “However, major food manufacturers lobbied hard to delay this decision because these artificial dyes are cheap, convenient, and profitable.”
According to experts, red pigment No. 3 is often used to flavor strawberries. (St. Petersburg)
She noted that the dye is commonly used in products marketed primarily to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals.
“Our children deserved better. It’s frustrating that it took this long for action to be taken,” Muhlstein added.
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Muhlstein said the ban is “a step forward” but also a reminder to “stay informed about what we are feeding our families.”
Experts say red dye No. 3 is also found in other less obvious products, including prepackaged vegan meats, fruit cups, mini muffin snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice and unsweetened water flavors.
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DeCicco encouraged consumers to always read ingredient labels and look for natural alternatives to these products.
This dye was often used in products marketed primarily to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies, and breakfast cereals. (St. Petersburg)
“It’s not about deprivation or restriction. I always say it’s important to eat food with high-quality ingredients,” she said. “Ingredients are paramount, and they are already there.”
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“I have worked with many families who have children with ADHD and find that removing sugar and artificial food colors and additives can sometimes reduce symptoms (as part of treatment).” added DeCicco.
Colorful foods without carcinogens
Although nutritionists advise consumers to avoid foods with red dye or erythrosine on the label, there are healthier, natural alternatives to keep food enjoyable.
According to nutritionists, using red dye alternatives like pomegranate juice or fruit powder can help keep your diet enjoyable. (St. Petersburg)
Mulstein recommends adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice to baking recipes such as vanilla cake to give the batter a natural red hue.
She also suggests mixing crushed freeze-dried strawberries into white frosting or whipped cream.
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“Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, and mashed raspberries are also great alternatives,” she adds.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
