The Food and Drug Administration has announced a ban on Red No. 3, a synthetic dye widely used in candies, cereals, and beverages. This additive, linked to cancer in laboratory animals and behavioral issues in children, will be phased out by January 2027 for food products and January 2028 for ingested drugs. The decision follows decades of research and advocacy from groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which has long urged the dye’s removal from the food supply.
Concerns about Red No. 3 date back to the early 1980s, when studies revealed its carcinogenic effects in animals and its potential to contribute to hyperactivity in children. While the FDA banned the dye in cosmetics in 1990, it remained permissible in food and drugs, prompting criticism from health advocates. Consumer groups have consistently highlighted the inconsistency of allowing a known carcinogen in food products while restricting its use in beauty products.
The FDA’s recent decision marks a significant step in addressing public concerns about artificial additives. While Red No. 3’s removal is a victory for consumer safety, other synthetic dyes remain in use and under scrutiny. Advocacy groups hope this ban will encourage further regulatory action to ensure the safety of food products. The food industry has pledged to comply with the new guidelines, emphasizing a commitment to consumer health and safety.
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