FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3: Fact-Checking Four Key Claims You Should Know

The FDA has banned red dye No. 3 from food and drinks, raising questions about its safety and common usage in products.

FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3: Fact-Checking Four Key Claims You Should Know
FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3: Fact-Checking Four Key Claims You Should Know

Washington: So, the FDA just banned red dye No. 3 from food and drinks, right? This has sparked a lot of chatter online. People are curious about what this dye is and what products it’s in.

Basically, red dye No. 3 has been used in a bunch of popular snacks and drinks, like candies and even some nutrition shakes. If you want to check if a product has it, just look for terms like Red 3 or erythrosine on the label. It’s pretty straightforward since the FDA makes companies list all their ingredients.

Some candies, like Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Pez, have red dye No. 3, while others like Skittles use a different dye called Red 40. It’s good to know what’s in your food, right?

Now, about the safety concerns: the FDA says there’s no solid proof that red dye No. 3 causes cancer in humans. They based their ban on studies that showed it caused cancer in lab rats, but those results don’t translate to humans. So, while it’s banned, it’s not because it’s been proven harmful to us.

Interestingly, red dye No. 3 was banned from cosmetics back in 1990, but it took over 30 years for the FDA to act on food products. The European Union has already banned it in food since 1994, so the U.S. is a bit behind the curve here.

As for when this ban kicks in, don’t expect to see an immediate change. Manufacturers have until 2027 or 2028 to reformulate their products. So, you might still find some items with red dye No. 3 on the shelves for a while.

It’s a big deal, and it’s great that people are asking questions and looking for answers. Stay informed, and keep an eye on those labels!

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