WA doctor reacts to Red Dye 3 ban
SEATTLE - U.S. regulators on Wednesday banned the dye called Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of potential cancer risk.
Food and Drug Administration officials granted a 2022 petition filed by two dozen food safety and health advocates, who urged the agency to revoke authorization for the substance that gives some candies, snack cakes and maraschino cherries a bright red hue.
The agency said it was taking the action as a "matter of law" because some studies have found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats. Officials cited a statute known as the Delaney Clause, which requires FDA to ban any additive found to cause cancer in people or animals.
What is Red Dye No. 3?
The backstory:
The dye is known as erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3 or Red 3. The ban removes it from the list of approved color additives in foods, dietary supplements and oral medicines, such as cough syrups. More than three decades ago, the FDA declined to authorize use of Red 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats.
What's next:
Dr. Scott Phillips, the Executive Director of the Washington Poison Center, was on Good Day Seattle to explain what happens if the products don't have it anymore.
"Unlikely that it will change much of the flavor, and a lot of red color will be substituted for beet juice or radishes or red cabbage is my understanding," Phillips said. "There are also some chemicals that have a red appearance but a lot of it will be more of the natural colorants."
Phillips said we'll likely start seeing more substitutions in the next few years.
With concerns about Red 3's link to cancer, Phillips emphasized that no data shows it causes cancer in humans. However, studies in rats, which were given exorbitant amounts of Red 3, found a link to cancer, while lower doses did not.
"[This is] just something to be aware of, not something to be alarmed about," Phillips said.
What products have Red 3?
Candies
Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Brach’s Candy Corn both contain Red 3. But some other red candies, like Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, use Red 40.
Dairy and frozen foods
Check for Red 3 in strawberry-flavored milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt and popsicles. TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk contains Red 3. But Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream and Popsicle-brand fruit pops both use use beet juice for coloring.
Fruit products
Many maraschino cherry brands – including store brands from Walmart and Kroger – have switched to Red 40. But Kroger Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktail contains Red 3.
Beverages
Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake contains Red 3. But many beverage brands use Red 40, including Hawaiian Punch and Kool-Aid, Fanta and Jarritos strawberry sodas and Faygo black cherry soda.
Medications
Consumer advocates say some gummy vitamins and medications contain Red 3. But others use natural coloring or alternate dyes. Vicks Formula 44, Luden’s and Halls cough drops all use Red 40. Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussen Adult Cough and Chest Congestion and Vick’s NyQuil Cold and Flu also use Red 40.
The Source: This story was written based on information from the Associated Press.
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