Federal Ban Could Remove Artificial Coloring from Thousands of Popular Snacks Within Weeks
The Food and Drug Administration plans to ban Red 3, a synthetic food dye linked to cancer in animal studies, FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones announced at a Senate health committee hearing on December 7, 2024. The decision would affect nearly 3,000 food products, from Pez candies to Hostess’ Ding Dongs, marking a major change in U.S. food safety regulation. The pending ban follows California’s 2023 prohibition of Red 3 and mirrors restrictions the European Union implemented over 30 years ago.
5 Key Points
- FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones announced action on the Red 3 ban within weeks.
- Laboratory tests showed Red 3 caused cancer in rats, leading to its 1990 cosmetics ban.
- The 1960 Delaney Clause mandates banning color additives that cause cancer in animals or humans.
- Manufacturers use Red 3 in nearly 3,000 U.S. food products for visual enhancement.
- California banned Red 3 in 2023, following the European Union’s 1990s prohibition.
Cancer Research Drives FDA’s Push for National Ban
The FDA’s move to eliminate Red 3 from food products builds on research documenting its health risks since the 1990s. Laboratory tests revealed the dye caused cancer in rats, prompting the FDA to ban Red 3 from cosmetics like lipstick in 1990. The European Union prohibited the chemical entirely in the early 1990s, yet the FDA permitted Red 3 to remain in food products for 34 years. The 1960 Delaney Clause, which requires the FDA to ban any color additive causing cancer in animals or humans regardless of dose, now compels the agency to act. Additional studies from public health organizations have connected the dye to behavioral issues in children, strengthening the case for removal from the food supply.
Food Industry Faces Major Product Reformulation
The ban would force manufacturers to revise recipes for thousands of popular snacks and candies throughout the United States. The Center for Science in the Public Interest found Red 3 in nearly 3,000 food items, including Pez candies, Peeps marshmallows, Betty Crocker’s Fruit by the Foot, Dubble Bubble gum, Entenmann’s Little Bites, and Hostess’ Ding Dongs. Food companies only add synthetic dye for visual enhancement, as it offers no nutritional benefits. Frank Pallone noted that while manufacturers must meet FDA standards, the current regulations allow thousands of products containing this chemical to remain on store shelves during the holiday season when Americans purchase more sweet treats than usual.
Congress and Health Officials Press for Swift Action
Members of Congress and potential future administration officials have demanded FDA action against Red 3. Frank Pallone, the New Jersey Democrat, and ranking U.S. House energy committee member wrote to the FDA highlighting risks to children during the holiday season. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump’s pick for health secretary, criticized the FDA’s oversight in a November 2024 NBC News interview, stating, “There are some departments, such as the nutrition departments in the FDA that have to go, that are not doing their job, they are not protecting our kids.” California’s 2023 decision to ban Red 3 and three other food dyes has created momentum for federal action, potentially leading to similar restrictions on other synthetic food colorings.
FAQ
Q: What is Red 3, and why is it used in food?
A: Red 3, also known as erythrosine, is an artificial food dye that manufacturers add to make products appear brighter and more colorful. It serves no nutritional purpose and is used purely for aesthetic enhancement in candies, snacks, and cereals.
Q: Why is the FDA considering banning Red 3?
A: The FDA must ban Red 3 under the 1960 Delaney Clause because laboratory tests showed it caused cancer in rats. The FDA banned Red 3 from cosmetics in 1990 for this reason but allowed its continued use in food products.
Q: Which everyday food products contain Red 3?
A: Red three appears in nearly 3,000 food products, including Pez candies, Peeps marshmallows, Betty Crocker’s Fruit by the Foot, Dubble Bubble chewing gum, Entenmann’s Little Bites, and Hostess’ Ding Dongs.
Q: When will the FDA’s ban take effect?
A: According to FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones, the agency plans to act on the petition to ban Red 3 “in the next few weeks” from his December 7, 2024 announcement at the Senate Health Committee hearing.
Q: Has Red 3 been banned in other places?
A: The European Union banned Red 3 in the early 1990s, and California prohibited its use along with three other food dyes in 2023.
Q: Are there health concerns beyond cancer risks?
A: Yes, public health groups have linked Red 3 to behavioral problems in children, though the primary regulatory concern remains its carcinogenic effects in animal studies.
Citations
James Cirrone (December 9, 2024). FDA motions to ban red food dye after causing cancer in animals. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14171291/FDA-weighs-ban-red-food-dye.html
