The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a significant regulatory change on Wednesday, banning the use of Red No 3, also known as erythrosine, due to its association with cancer in male laboratory rats. This ban affects food and drug products widely consumed across the nation. The decision follows mounting pressure from consumer advocacy groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which has been pushing for this change since filing a petition in 2022.
Red No 3, historically used in various candies, baked goods, fruit products, and beverages, has been under scrutiny for its potential health risks. Despite being banned in cosmetics by the FDA 35 years ago and more recently in California schools and food products, it remained prevalent in the US food supply. Some manufacturers, such as Dole, have proactively eliminated the dye from their products, anticipating regulatory shifts.
"At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy," stated Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the CSPI.
The ban requires food manufacturers using Red No 3 to reformulate their products by January 2027, while drug manufacturers are given until January 2028 to comply. The regulation also mandates that imported food products adhere to the same standards, ensuring uniformity across the board. This measure aligns the United States with other countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, where restrictions on Red No 3 are already in place.
The CSPI has long advocated for this ban, highlighting not just the cancer link but also the dye's widespread consumption by children. They have termed the FDA's decision as "long-delayed," underscoring a perceived lag in regulatory action.
"long-delayed" – said the Center for Science in the Public Interest
In recent years, California has taken a proactive stance by banning Red No 3 in school settings last year and extending this to all food products in October 2023. This state-level action set a precedent that likely influenced national policy.
The FDA's decision marks a pivotal shift toward safer food regulations, reflecting growing consumer awareness and demand for transparency about food additives. Manufacturers now face the challenge of reformulating products while maintaining taste and appeal to consumers.