FDA Moves Closer to Banning Artificial Red Dye in Food and Drinks Amid Health Concerns

FDA Nears Decision on Banning Artificial Red Dye Over Health Risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could soon ban two controversial artificial food dyes, Red No. 3 and Red No. 40, which are commonly used in candies, sodas, and processed snacks. The potential move comes after growing concerns about their safety and long-term health effects, especially on children.

During a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee meeting last Thursday, Jim Jones, the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, acknowledged that it has been over a decade since the safety of Red No. 40 was last reviewed. “With Red 3, we have a petition in front of us to revoke the authorization board, and we’re hopeful that in the next few weeks we’ll be acting on that petition,” Jones said.

This potential ban has been further fueled by ongoing research and legislative pressure, with some lawmakers pushing for a nationwide prohibition on these synthetic color additives. Notably, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) expressed concern about the risks these dyes pose to consumers, particularly during the holiday season when foods containing artificial dyes are in abundance.

The Dangers of Red Dyes: Health and Behavioral Concerns

Red No. 40 (also known as Allura Red) and Red No. 3 (also known as erythrosine) are commonly used to give food and beverages their vibrant cherry-red hue. However, recent research has suggested potential links between these dyes and various health risks, ranging from hyperactivity in children to even cancer at high doses.

Red No. 3 was previously banned in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990 after studies found it to be carcinogenic in lab rats. While the FDA maintains that Red No. 3 and Red No. 40 are safe when used according to regulations, the issue is far from settled. Various studies, including a 2021 California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment review, have shown that synthetic food dyes can negatively impact children’s behavior, especially those sensitive to such additives. “Consumption of synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children,” the review concluded.

The European Union has already implemented stricter regulations, requiring warning labels on food products containing Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6, cautioning that these dyes may have an adverse effect on children’s activity and attention. In contrast, the U.S. has not yet taken similar measures, despite mounting evidence of harm.

The Role of the FDA and Public Pressure

In response to these concerns, there has been increasing pressure on the FDA to re-evaluate the safety of these dyes. The agency has admitted that it has not conducted thorough post-market reviews of these food additives, a practice that is standard in Europe. This gap in regulatory oversight has sparked calls for reform, with experts noting that the U.S. lags behind in ensuring food safety, especially when it comes to long-term health risks.

“We really don’t have the science we should have, so these things are a little unclear, but there is an established connection between these dyes and behavioral issues,” said Jerold Mande, an adjunct professor of nutrition at Harvard and former FDA senior adviser.

In the meantime, some U.S. states have already taken matters into their own hands. California, Illinois, and New York have introduced or passed legislation to ban Red No. 3 in food products, with California’s bill set to remove six artificial food dyes, including Red No. 40, from public school meals by 2027. These state-level actions are pushing major food manufacturers to consider eliminating synthetic dyes from their products, even in the absence of a federal ban.

What’s Next for the Food Industry?

The potential ban on artificial red food dyes could have major implications for the food industry, particularly for snack and beverage manufacturers who rely on these colorants to make their products visually appealing. If the FDA proceeds with the ban, manufacturers may be forced to seek alternative, natural colorings, as some companies like Kraft and Nestlé have already done in response to public pressure.

For consumers, the growing movement to eliminate harmful food additives offers a chance to make healthier choices. As awareness about the risks of synthetic food dyes spreads, many are calling for stricter regulations to ensure that food products are safe and transparent, especially for children.

With the holiday season approaching, lawmakers and health experts are urging the FDA to act quickly on this matter. “It is frightening that this chemical remains hidden in these foods that we and our children are eating,” Rep. Pallone said in a recent letter to the agency.

The debate surrounding artificial food dyes is only just beginning, but if the FDA chooses to follow through with a ban, it could signal a major shift in food safety regulations—one that prioritizes consumer health over marketing gimmicks.