Red Dye No. 3 Finally Banned: Impact on Food, Drinks, and Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on the use of Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) in foods, beverages, and ingested drugs, citing studies linking the additive to cancer in animals.
Key Details:
- Implementation Timeline:
- Food manufacturers are required to remove Red Dye No. 3 from their products by January 15, 2027.
- Ingested drug manufacturers have until January 18, 2028, to comply.
- Background:
- The FDA’s decision follows a 2022 petition from health advocacy groups urging the ban due to potential health risks.
- The Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act mandates the prohibition of additives shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.
- Affected Products:
- Red Dye No. 3 has been commonly used in candies, baked goods, and certain oral medications.
- Consumers are advised to check product labels for the presence of this additive during the phase-out period.
This move aligns the U.S. with other regions, such as the European Union and certain U.S. states like California, which have already restricted or planned bans on the use of Red Dye No. 3 due to health concerns.
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