Do your kids love to eat chocolate, cake, candy, or ice cream? ‘Red Dye 3’, a synthetic color used in these, has recently been banned by America. It is also known as ‘Red No. 3’ and was used to give foods and drinks a bright red color.
risk of cancer
The decision to ban Red Dye 3 was taken on the basis of research, which found that this synthetic color can cause cancer.
- Laboratory tests: This dye caused cancer in studies conducted on rats.
- Effects on Human Health: Although its effects on humans are reported to be minimal, according to US law, any carcinogenic substance is not allowed to be used in food and beverage products.
threat to children’s health
Red Dye 3 was especially used in children’s favorite foods such as candy, cakes, biscuits, and frosting.
- Public warnings: Health organizations, such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest, have long called this dye dangerous to children’s health.
Why was the decision taken?
Dr. Peter Lurie, President of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that the use of Red Dye 3 was already banned in beauty products like lipstick, but it was kept legal in baby foods, BBC reported. Now this disparity has been eliminated.
Ban in other countries also
Red Dye 3 has already been banned in the US as well as Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in the European Union.
ban time limit
- Food products: Food producers have been directed to stop using this color by 2027.
- Drug manufacturers: Its use in medicines will have to be completely eliminated by 2028.
- Imported Products: The use of Red Dye 3 will also be banned in imported foods coming into the US.
