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FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 in Food

January 15, 2025
The FDA will prohibit the use of the red food dye FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine or Red 3, in foods and ingested drugs. The decision comes in response to a 2022 petition asking the agency to review whether the dye should be banned under the Delaney Clause, which prohibits FDA authorization of a food or color additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of Red No. 3 causes cancer in rats, although rats have a specific hormonal mechanism not present in humans. Manufacturers who use Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products.
Publisher:American Association for Cancer Research
Article Type:
Breaking
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