The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially announced the ban on red dye No. 3, or erythrosine, in food and oral medications 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 have until January 2028, as reported by the Associated Press.
The dye was removed from cosmetics about 35 years ago due to similar cancer-related concerns.
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Following Wednesday’s announcement of the new ban, nutritionists and other health experts applauded the removal of additives from the American diet.
Red 3 can be found in various food products, usually candy and colored sweets. (Stock)
Los Angeles-based registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein shared her excitement about the FDA “finally” banning artificial dyes that have been in candy, cereal and strawberry-flavored beverages for “a very long time.”
“Ironically, this decision comes more than three decades after the same dye was banned from cosmetics like lipstick because there was enough evidence linking it to cancer in animals,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“For years, consumer advocacy groups and researchers have been pushing for this change, not only extolling the cancer risks but also the possible links to behavioral problems and ADHD in children.”
A certified nutritionist (not pictured) warned that red dye No. 3 comes from some products that you “wouldn’t expect.” (Stock)
Certified nutritionist and founder of The Power of Food Education, New York-based Robin DeCicco, commented that it was “about time” Red 3 was closed.
“It didn’t make sense to me why dye was taken out of lipsticks and blushes 30 years ago but allowed to be in our food,” he insisted on Fox News Digital. “For decades there has been evidence of dyes causing cancer in rats.”
“Our children deserved better, and it is troubling that it has taken so long for action to be taken.”
Muhlstein expressed that while the ban is “a clear win for public health,” he still feels “frustrated” that it took so long.
“The FDA recognized the dangers in the 1980s, and some countries, such as those in the EU, banned red dye No. 3 years ago,” he said. “However, major food manufacturers have tried hard to delay this decision because these artificial dyes are cheap, effective and beneficial.”
Red dye No. 3 is often used for strawberry flavor, according to experts. (Stock)
The dye was often used in products marketed to children, he noted, such as colored lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals.
“Our kids deserved better, and it’s troubling that it took so long for action to be taken,” added Muhlstein.
‘Stay informed’
Muhlstein noted that while the ban is “a step forward,” it’s also a reminder to “always be aware of what we’re going to feed our families.”
Red No. 3 dye has been added to other less obvious products, including prepackaged vegan meats, fruit cups, mini muffin snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice and sugar-free water flavors, according to experts.
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DeCicco encouraged consumers to always read the ingredient label and look for natural alternatives to these products.
The dye was often used in products marketed to children, such as colored lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals. (Stock)
“There is no restriction or restriction – I always say food with high quality ingredients,” he said. “The ingredients are more important than anything else, and they are there.”
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“I’ve worked with many families with children with ADHD, and eliminating sugar and artificial food dyes and additives in some cases can reduce symptoms (as one part of treatment),” DeCicco said.
Colorful foods without carcinogens
Although nutritionists recommend that consumers stay away from foods with red dye or erythrosine on the label, there are other healthy, natural ways to keep food tasty.
Using red dye alternatives like pomegranate juice or fruit powder can keep food palatable, according to nutritionists. (Stock)
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 color.
She also suggests mixing in mashed, frozen strawberries or whipped cream.
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“Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder and crushed raspberries are good alternatives,” she added.
Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
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