Many researchers claim that petroleum is used in making artificial food colors used in food items. Which has negative effects on human and animal bodies.
Artificial food color, which is also called food dye, is used in making thousands of ready-made food items available in the market. Different colors are referred to by different numbers. Controversy regarding artificial food colors has been going on for a long time. Many researchers claim that petroleum is used in making artificial food colors used in food items. Which has negative effects on human and animal body (side effects of artificial food colour). Especially their use increases the risk of cancer (cancer caused by food colour). After this research, there was a lot of controversy going on about red dye number 3. Which has finally been banned by FDA (FDA banned red dye 3).
The Food and Drug Administration has banned artificial food color red dye number 3 on Wednesday after many controversies. The agency has termed synthetic food color red dye number 3 as harmful for human consumption and has stated that its consumption in humans poses a risk of cancer. After this news, the food industry needs to make big changes. In India too, people, especially children, need to be cautious about medicines including foods and drinks containing Red Dye 3, to prevent any harm. Let us know what is the whole matter and also know about synthetic food color red number 3.
What is banned red dye number 3 (red dye 3)
The US Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of food color red number 3. It is a synthetic food color, which is used to add cherry red color to foods. But it has been linked to cancer in animals.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, this dye is used in thousands of foods, such as candy, cereal, fruit cocktails, cherry and strawberry-flavored milkshakes (red dye 3 foods to avoid). A food safety advocacy group petitioned the agency to end its use in 2022. CSPI says that this color is used in making about 10,000 food items. Which includes hundreds of products made by many big food companies.
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However, the FDA has not stopped the use of other artificial colors, including Red No. 40, linked to behavioral issues in children. The agency banned additives used in beauty products in 1990 under the Delaney Clause. This is a federal law that requires the FDA to ban food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals or increase the risk of such disease.
America gave time till 2028 to food companies
The FDA has given time till January 15.2027 and January 18.2028 to the manufacturing companies using banned synthetic colors in foods and drugs to reformulate the products. Apart from this, it is mandatory for the food items imported into the United States to follow the new food rules and requirements (red dye 3 foods to avoid).
Why is there controversy over Red Dye 3?
Red No. 3, made from petroleum, was approved for use in foods in 1907. The FDA has been working for years to keep the dye from being banned, but despite this, several studies have found tumors in male rats exposed to high doses of artificial food colorants.
Concern has also been raised about whether the use of artificial colors in foods is affecting the behavior of children. In 2011, the FDA raised concerns about a possible link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in children. However, it was later determined that there was no relation between the two. The FDA is now revoking its approval, halting its use across the country, with other states already taking action.
California is the first state to ban Red No. 3 and several other food additives linked to potential health problems in 2023.
In which foods red dye number 3 is used (red dye 3 foods to avoid)
According to CSPI, a search of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s branded food database in FoodData Central identified 9,201 American food products, including the Red 3, which includes hundreds of products made by the nation’s largest food companies. Know here the names of some popular food products and drinks containing artificial colors that cause cancer:
Marshmallows and candy corn, among many other candy products
Fruit drink, colored drink, soda or cocktail drink
cakes and cupcakes,
some protein shakes
some types of energy drinks
variety of puddings
some bacon bits and sausage
Apart from this, according to Drugs.com, there are some medicines in which red dye number 3 is used (Red dye 3 containing medicines).
Acetaminophen (painkiller)
Fluoxetine (antidepressant)
Gabapentin (anticonvulsant)
Endomeprazole (Heartburn)
It is important to keep these things in mind while buying food items
As the US Food and Drug Administration has banned synthetic Red D No. 3 from being used in foods, it is important for all of you to keep a few things in mind:
- Be sure to read labels while purchasing food items:
Look for Red Dye No. 3 or FD&C Red No. 3 and erythrosin in the ingredient lists of foods. Especially foods used for children like candies, gummies, colored drinks etc.
- Use natural colors:
Generally, many people use artificial colors to add color to home-made foods, so all of you should be alert, and use natural colors like beetroot juice and turmeric in the dishes.
- Give information to children also:
If your children are old enough to understand things, then definitely give them information related to artificial food colors. Children often get attracted towards colorful foods after seeing them, in such a situation it is important for children to understand what additive colors are and what harm they can have. In particular, tell them about Red Dye No. 3 and ask them to check the levels before purchasing any food items. In this way we can prevent all losses from increasing.
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