The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingestible medications. The synthetic colourant, also known as erythrosine, has been linked to cancer in animal studies and has been a subject of public health concern for over three decades.

Key Highlights:

1. FDA’s Decision:

2. Red Dye No. 3, widely used in food and medications, has been banned due to its cancer-causing potential observed in animal studies.

3. The decision follows a 2022 petition filed by advocacy groups, including the Centre for Science in the Public Interest and the Environmental Working Group.

  2.  Background and Concerns:

• The controversy began over 30 years ago when studies showed links between the dye and cancer in lab animals.

• The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990 but allowed its continued use in food products due to the absence of direct evidence linking it to cancer in humans.

• Advocacy groups and California’s 2023 statewide ban on the dye influenced the FDA’s decision.

  3.  Public Health Significance:

• Health experts have welcomed the ban as a positive step toward protecting consumers.

• Dr. Jerold Mande of Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health called it "a small step in the right direction" and emphasized the importance of further regulatory efforts to safeguard public health.

Statements from Leaders or Officials:

• Dr. Jerold Mande:

"Today’s action by FDA is long overdue, is a small step in the right direction, and hopefully signals a renewed effort by FDA to do its job despite the many barriers the food industry places in its way."The ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a significant move to ensure consumer safety. It highlights the growing importance of evidence-based regulations and advocacy in shaping public health policies. The FDA’s decision may also pave the way for a review of other additives with potential health risks.