USA | New Zealand, along with several other countries, has already placed restrictions on the use of Red Dye 3, a synthetic dye often added to foods and beverages to give them a bright, cherry-red colour, now USA is following suit.
The USA has announced a ban on the dye after studies linked it to cancer in male laboratory rats. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made the decision to revoke the dye's approval for use in food and drugs.
This ban follows a petition filed in 2022 by various groups, including the Centre for Science in the Public Interest. These organisations argued that Red Dye 3 should be banned due to its potential cancer risks, especially considering how widely it is used in products consumed by children.
Although the amount of Red Dye 3 typically consumed by humans is much lower than the levels shown to cause cancer in rats, US law requires that any substance linked to cancer be banned from use in food and drugs. Red Dye 3 is commonly found in products such as candy, cakes, cookies, frozen desserts, frostings, and some medicines.
The FDA’s decision aligns with the global trend of limiting the dye’s use. Red Dye 3 was banned in cosmetics 35 years ago, and California banned it in food products in 2023. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union already have similar restrictions in place.
Manufacturers in the US have until January 2027 to remove Red Dye 3 from food products, and until January 2028 for drugs. Imported foods will also need to comply with the new regulations. The National Confectioners Association (NCA), representing US candy manufacturers, has stated it will comply with the FDA’s guidelines, prioritising food safety.
Red Dye 3 has been used in a wide range of products, from coloured candies and fruit-flavoured drinks to cough syrups and gummy vitamins.
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