Home Health US bans cancer-related Red No 3 food dye… here are the products on the chopping block

US bans cancer-related Red No 3 food dye… here are the products on the chopping block

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Pictured above is a product affected by the incoming ban, as Dubble Bubble contains Red Dye No.3.

The red dye has been a staple in American food for decades, creating the bright cherry-like color that consumers love.

But the federal government has now banned it, citing its links to cancer in animals and developmental disorders in children.

Advocacy groups have been lobbying the government to ban the additive in foods for years, about three decades after the FDA banned it in cosmetics.

The dye is common in supermarkets and is present in about 26 percent of baking decorations and dessert toppings, 16 percent of gum and mints, 13 percent of candies, and 11 percent of cookies and cakes.

The federal government’s ban mirrors California’s that went into effect in October 2023.

Companies that use the dye will have January 2027 to remove the substance from their foods. Those who use it in drugs will have until January 2028 to eliminate it.

From bubblegum to Pez to sour candy, red 3 has been part of the American diet for decades.

But the latest ban will also affect medications, such as types of paracetamol for pain and antibiotics.

Pictured above is a product affected by the incoming ban, as Dubble Bubble contains Red Dye No.3.

The FDA has been studying Red 3 for decades, but deemed it safe because it has not been shown to have links to cancer in humans: ‘the relevant exposure levels to FD&C Red No. 3 for humans are typically much lower than those. that cause the effects. shown in male rats.

The FDA said: “Claims that use of FD&C Red No. 3 in ingested foods and medications puts people at risk are not supported by available scientific information.”

At least 10 other states have taken steps to ban the additive in foods.

Meanwhile, the National Confectioners Association said in a statement: “Our consumers and everyone in the food industry want and expect a strong FDA and a consistent, science-based national regulatory framework.”

‘For years, our industry has been calling for more transparency, more funding, and more staffing resources to keep the FDA fulfilling its mission, and it’s time to put politics aside and work together to fund the FDA at levels that support it. allow them to continue their work.”

Vani Hari, an activist who has been lobbying Kelloggs to remove the dye from its cereals, said: “The fact that red number 3 has been allowed in our foods for over 30 years, after being banned in cosmetics, is one of the biggest examples of how conflicts of interest have prevented the FDA from protecting the American people.’

A spokeswoman for the National Confectioners Association, which represents many confectionery companies, said: ‘Food safety is the number one priority for American confectionery companies.

“We will continue to follow and comply with FDA safety guidelines and standards.”

Red 3 can also be found in candies such as jelly beans. Red 3 has also been linked to possible behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, similar to red 40. And there is some evidence that red 3 affects hormonal activity, contributing to thyroid problems.

Red 3 can also be found in candies such as jelly beans. Red 3 has also been linked to possible behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, similar to red 40. And there is some evidence that red 3 affects hormonal activity, contributing to thyroid problems.

He added: “Our consumers and everyone in the food industry want and expect a strong FDA and a consistent, science-based national regulatory framework.”

Red 3 can also be found in gummies, sprinkles, milks, juices, cake mixes, frozen yogurts, sports drinks, and some meats.

There is no indication yet that food manufacturers will oppose the new rule and they will be given enough time to reformulate their products to comply.

Manufacturers could switch to using red 40, which, along with red 3, has been linked to countless health problems.

Red 3 has been classified as a possible human carcinogen after evidence in previous studies showed links to thyroid tumors in rats. After 70 male rats were fed doses of red 3 equivalent to four percent of their lifetime diet, 15 developed thyroid tumors.

Red 3 has also been linked to possible behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, similar to red 40. And there is some evidence that red 3 affects hormonal activity, contributing to thyroid problems.

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