FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3: What Families Need to Know About the Change
The FDA’s ban on red dye No. 3 raises health concerns for families, prompting some to already avoid this food coloring.
Red Dye No. 3, FDA, California, Food Safety, Health Effects
Los Angeles: The FDA just announced that it’s banning red dye No. 3, a common food coloring found in many snacks and candies. This decision comes after years of debate about its safety. The dye has been linked to potential health risks, especially for kids.
Manufacturers have until 2027 to change their recipes if they use this dye in food. For drugs, they have until 2028. This means that products coming from places where the dye is still allowed will also need to meet these new rules.
Interestingly, California has already taken steps to ban this dye. Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that prohibits red dye No. 3 and a few other harmful chemicals in food sold in the state. This is a big deal since it’s the first time a state has banned something the FDA allows.
One of the lawmakers behind this change, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, explained that the law won’t take away any foods but will just require companies to switch to safer ingredients that are already used in other countries.
Some parents are really happy about this ban. For instance, Matt Parks, a dad of three, shared that he and his wife are careful about what their kids eat. They’ve noticed that when their youngest has red dye, her mood swings can get pretty wild. It’s like flipping a switch, and they try to keep her away from it as much as possible.
Another dad, AJ Yarwood, mentioned that his kids get hyperactive after consuming products with red dye No. 3. He’s frustrated that while this dye is banned in cosmetics, it’s still allowed in food. It just doesn’t make sense to him.
Then there’s Carrie Conrad, who said her kids only have red dye at birthday parties, and every time they do, it’s a disaster. She described it as pure chaos, with her kids losing control and not listening to any rules. It’s a real struggle for her family.
Experts are weighing in too. Jamie Alan, a professor, pointed out that while studies on red dye No. 3 are limited, there’s no nutritional benefit to it. It’s just a potential risk. Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician, supports the ban, saying parents deserve to know what’s in their kids’ food.
Even though the FDA found some studies linking the dye to cancer in rats, they also said that human exposure is usually much lower. Still, many believe it’s better to avoid it altogether.
So, if you can, it’s a good idea to steer clear of red dye No. 3. Look for foods that are dye-free or use natural colors instead. But if that’s not an option, don’t stress too much. Just do your best!