The Food and Drug Administration finally banned the use of Red 3 in beverages, candy and other foods in the U.S. Red 3 is a synthetic dye that produces a bright red cherry color and has been found to link to cancer in animals. These efforts by the FDA to ban synthetic dyes have sparred a new awareness of artificially created chemical compounds that are doing more harm than good by just adding color.
Red 3 is no longer permitted to be used in cosmetic lipsticks, eyeshadows and drugs applied to the skin as it was already banned in those products in 1990, thanks to the FDA. The cause of its ban then was industry-funded research that found it was linked to thyroid cancer in rats.
The FDA has not yet banned other red artificial dyes, though. Red 3’s ban led to further interest in the harm caused by other dyes like Red 40. Red 40 is also a synthetic dye used in consumable products and is one of the most popular color additives. Studies have begun to find another link between hyperactivity, including ADHD, to Red 40 when consumed by children. Other common symptoms seen in children after consuming Red 40 consist of irritability and depression, allergic reactions, hives and asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, skin irritation and migraines. Further, Red 40 contains benzene, a known cancer-causing substance.
Artificial food dyes show a present danger when ingested. The FDA, which acts internationally to inform and protect public health, works alongside advocacy groups to hear out initiatives. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group, petitioned the FDA in 2022 to end the use of Red 3.
Although Red 3 was banned in cosmetics, this did not stop the artificial dye from being used in food, beverage and candy. “At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the CSPI, said.
The use of synthetic dyes in consumable products often substitutes for nutritious ingredients that look like fruits and vegetables. This assists in making junk food more attractive, or desirable, to a market of children for example. The CSPI even suggests such dyes were created to help food companies make brightly colored foods more appealing to eat.
Knowing artificial dye’s effects on children, by the end of 2023 California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law the U.S.’s first legislation to ban four chemical additives, one of which was Red 3. The bill received backlash but helped nudge the FDA to act.
Beginning Dec. 31, 2027, when the legislation Newsom signed goes into action, the California School Food Safety Act will keep schools from serving six common food dyes: Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.
There are harmful symptoms and side effects linked to artificial consumable dyes. As consumable products use artificial food dyes, it’s essential that individuals are made aware of the harm, especially as it is presenting itself in more ways than one through animal testing and children.
Daphne Graeter is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio.edu.
