The FDA has banned the dye Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, citing potential cancer risks, nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics. The ban comes after a petition from food safety advocates urging the agency to revoke authorization for the dye, which gives some candies and snack cakes a bright red hue. In a separate move, West Virginia is poised to become the first state to ban a range of food dyes, including Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 from foods sold in the state. The legislation has passed through the state senate and house and is expected to be signed by Governor Patrick Morrisey. The ban would first affect foods and drinks used in school lunches and later expand to items sold commercially statewide. Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary for health reasons, while opponents warn of potential supply chain disruptions, increased costs, and job losses in the food and beverage industry. The FDA’s decision to ban Red 3 is part of a larger trend, with more than 20 states introducing legislation aimed at regulating food chemicals and synthetic dyes. This move raises concerns about the potential health effects of artificial food coloring, with some research linking them to behavioral issues in children. The ban on Red 3 is set to go into effect in January 2027, in line with increasing scrutiny on food dyes and their impact on public health.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
