Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by The Health Master
USFDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has taken an important step by banning the use of Red No. 3 in the manufacturing of food and drugs.
Red No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives a vibrant cherry-red color to a variety of cakes, candies, and certain oral drugs.
This decision came after the various evidences from laboratories where studies have been done on rats, which shows a link between Red No. 3 and the development of cancer.
Consumer Safety
This ban on Red No. 3 is a turning point in food and drug safety regulations.
This decision to ban Red No. 3 came after more than three decades after the USFDA prohibited the use of this color in cosmetics.
“It’s illogical to permit the internal use of a substance that is unsafe for external use,” stated Linda Birnbaum, a former director at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program who expressed her satisfaction with the long-awaited decision on the ban.
A Collective Effort
Consumer advocacy groups have been tirelessly advocating and putting forth their efforts for several years for the said ban of use of Red No. 3 in food and drugs.
A petition was filed in the year 2022 urging the USFDA to review the studies held on rats that showed the risk of cancer in male rats.
USFDA’s priority for public health
“The priority of the USFDA is safety of public health, and food additives or color additives cannot be allowed if they will be a cause of cancer in humans or animals,” said Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods.
A Balanced Approach
The USFDA also noted that studies conducted on other animals and human populations did not show similar adverse effects.
It is also emphasized that the available scientific data does not support the claim that the use of Red No. 3 in food and oral drugs is a cause of risk to human health.
Industry Transition
The USFDA has given the manufacturers ample time for reformulating their products to ensure smooth transition.
Food manufacturers have been given time until January 15, 2027, so that they can remove Red No. 3 from their products.
Drug manufacturers have been given a deadline of January 18, 2028, to comply with the ban.
Focus on Food Safety
The USFDA’s decision follows the discussion from lawmakers regarding the use of this color.
Lawmakers questioned USFDA Commissioner Robert Califf about the continued use of certain food colors in a recent Senate Committee hearing.
Industry Response
The National Confectioners Association, a trade group representing the confectionery industry, issued a statement regarding the industry’s commitment towards food safety.
“Food safety is the top priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we will strictly comply with guidance and safety standards issued by the USFDA,” the statement read.
1. What is Red No. 3 color?
Red No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives a vibrant cherry-red color to a variety of cakes, candies, and certain oral drugs.
2. Why was Red No. 3 color banned?
This is banned because it shows a link between Red No. 3 and the development of cancer.
3. When will the ban on Red No. 3 color take effect?
Food manufacturers have been given time until January 15, 2027, so that they can remove Red No. 3 from their products, whereas drug manufacturers have been given a deadline of January 18, 2028, to comply with the ban.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.
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