US bans controversial red food dye, decades after scientists raised alarm
U.S. authorities announced on Wednesday the prohibition of a controversial red dye in food and pharmaceuticals, which has been known for over 30 years to cause illnesses and is potentially linked to certain cancers in pets.
Known as erythrosine, this synthetic dye derived from petroleum is referred to as E127 in Europe and “Red 3” in North America. It is commonly used to impart a bright pink to red hue to food items and medication capsules.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database, this dye was present in approximately 3,000 food products sold in the United States, including candies, canned fruits, beverages, and even vegetarian bacon substitutes.
In an official document released on Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that it “revokes the authorization for the use of Red 3 in ingestible foods and medications.”
The dye had already been banned in the U.S. for use in cosmetics and topical medications since 1990 due to allergy risks and concerns regarding its carcinogenic properties.
Many countries around the world, particularly those within the European Union, impose strict limitations on its use.
In 2022, American consumer advocacy groups submitted a petition to the FDA requesting a ban on this additive in food products and oral medications—a request that authorities have now decided to approve.
