Red dye is now banned: the popular food coloring has been prohibited in the United States.

The administration of the U.S. president has announced the long-awaited ban on Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food and drug coloring agent that causes cancer in animals. This decision, published on Wednesday in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services, is the culmination of decades of scientific research and public campaigns advocating for its prohibition, reports ScienceAlert.

According to data published by the Environmental Working Group, the hazardous dye, also known as erythrosine, is found in nearly 3,000 food products, including candies, snacks, fruit products, and medications. The ban follows a petition submitted in 2022 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and other advocacy groups, which referenced the "Delaney Clause." This federal provision mandates the prohibition of any additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Although in 1990 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that Red Dye No. 3 causes thyroid cancer in male rats and prohibited its use in cosmetics, its application in food continued due to resistance from stakeholders. For instance, maraschino cherry producers relied on this dye to maintain its signature appearance. Food and drug manufacturers using Red Dye No. 3 will need to reformulate their products by January 2027 and January 2028, respectively.

Despite acknowledging the cancer link in animal studies, one of which was published in the journal Environmental Health, the FDA stated that the available data do not confirm a similar risk for humans, citing lower exposure levels and differences in hormonal mechanisms among species. Nevertheless, the U.S. lags behind other countries such as the European Union, Japan, and Australia, which banned the dye several decades ago.

Concerns among scientists and physicians extend beyond carcinogenicity: research indicates potential neurobehavioral effects of synthetic food colorings, particularly in children. A report published in 2021 in California found a connection between synthetic dyes and negative outcomes such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), along with structural and functional changes in the brain.

These findings have intensified criticism of the prolonged delay in banning the dye, which experts, including law professor at the University of Richmond Karl Tobias, attribute to industry lobbying. Tobias noted that this ban is a step in the right direction but questioned why it took so long. Advocates of the dye's dangers welcomed the ban as long overdue but emphasized the need for further reforms to combat other harmful food chemicals. They pointed out that artificial colorings like erythrosine add no nutritional value and serve only to enhance the product's appearance. CSPI also called for stricter regulations on toxic heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, in foods frequently consumed by children.

Research from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented health risks associated with chemical additives in processed foods. Many alternatives to erythrosine, such as natural colorings derived from fruits and vegetables, are already widely used around the world. This shift could not only enhance consumer safety but also align the countries that have banned it with global regulatory standards.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that could affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, consult a specialist.