The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced the ban on red dye no. 3, or erythrosine, in food and oral drugs because of the potential risk of cancer.
Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye (red 3) from their products, and drug manufacturers until January 2028, the Associated Press reports.
The color was removed from cosmetics almost 35 years ago due to the same problems related to cancer.
FDA BANDS RED FOOD DYE DUE TO POTENTIAL CANCER RISK
Following the announcement of the new ban on Wednesday, nutritionists and other health experts welcomed the removal of the additive from the US food supply.
Row 3 can be found in various food products, most often candies and colorful sweets. (iStock)
Los Angeles-based nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein shared her excitement that the FDA has “finally” banned a synthetic color that has been in strawberry-flavored candy, cereal and beverages for “too long.”
“What is strange is that this decision comes more than three decades after the same color was banned in cosmetics like lipstick because there was enough evidence linking it to cancer in animals“, she told Fox News Digital.
“For years, consumer groups and researchers have pushed for this change, citing not only cancer risks, but potential links to hyperactivity and ADHD in children.”
A certified holistic nutritionist (no picture) warned that the red color no. 3 appears in some products that “you would never expect”. (iStock)
New York-based certified holistic nutritionist and founder of The Power of Food Education, Robin DeCicco, commented that it is “high time” that Red 3 be banned.
“It never made sense to me why the color was removed from lipsticks and blushes 30 years ago, but it was allowed to be in our food,” she repeated to Fox News Digital. “There has been evidence for decades that dye causes cancer in rats.”
“Our kids deserved better and it’s frustrating that it’s taken so long for action to be taken.”
Muhlstein expressed that the ban was “a clear victory for public health,” 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 No. 3 years ago,” she noted. “However, major food manufacturers have lobbied hard to delay this decision because these artificial colors are cheap, practical and cost-effective.”
Red dye number 3 is often used in strawberry flavoring, according to experts. (iStock)
Color was usually used in products that were primarily advertised to childrenshe noted, like colorful lollipops, candy, and breakfast cereal.
“Our kids deserved better and it’s frustrating that it took so long to do something,” added Muhlstein.
‘Stay informed’
Muhlstein commented that while the ban is “a step forward,” it is also a reminder to “stay informed about what we are feeding our families.”
Red dye no. 3 is included in other products that aren’t as obvious, including some prepackaged vegan meat products, fruit balls, mini muffin snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice and sugar-free flavored water, according to experts.
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DeCicco encouraged consumers to always read ingredient labels and look for natural substitutes for these products.
The color was usually used in products aimed primarily at 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 else, and they’re there.”
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“I have worked with many families with children who have ADHD, and removal of sugar and artificial food colors and additives can relieve symptoms in some cases (as part of treatment),” DeCicco added.
Colorful food without carcinogens
Although nutritionists recommend that consumers stay away from foods labeled with red dye or erythrosine, there are healthier, natural alternatives that keep food fun.
Using red alternatives like pomegranate juice or fruit powder can make food fun, say nutritionists. (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 into white frosting or whipped cream.
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“Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder and even pureed raspberries are also great alternatives,” she added.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.
