Recent concerns over potential health issues have led federal regulators to explore the possibility of taking steps to ban artificial red food dye. Jim Jones, deputy commissioner of human foods for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, emphasized the need to re-evaluate the safety of red 3 during a recent Senate health committee meeting. As stated by NBC News, there is a petition in front of them to revoke the authorization board for red 3, and they are hopeful of taking action in the next few weeks.

Widespread Use and Prohibitions

Red 3 is used in nearly 3,000 food products, such as popular candies like Peeps, Nerds, and SweeTarts. While the FDA has allowed its use in food, it has prohibited its use in cosmetics. The Center for Science in the Public Interest provides this information. In addition, red 3 is already banned in a few countries and in the state of California. Advocates argue that red 3 and similar chemicals should be banned nationwide due to potential health risks.

Analysis by World Health Organization

The World Health Organization has conducted an analysis of several studies on erythrosine, which is the component that makes red 3. Their conclusion is that "dietary exposures to erythrosine for all age groups do not present a health concern." However, it is important to note that some studies have found that the dye can increase thyroid cancer risk among certain rats. This highlights the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the safety of red 3.

Implications and Future Outlook

The potential ban of artificial red food dye has significant implications for the food industry and consumers. It raises questions about the safety of commonly consumed food products and the need for stricter regulations. As federal regulators consider their next steps, it remains to be seen how this will impact the availability and use of red 3 in food products. Consumers will also be closely watching as they seek to make informed choices about the foods they consume.