Controversial Food Dye Linked To Cases Of Cancer Might Finally Be Getting Outlawed In The US

Your favorite glowing snacks have been hiding a toxic secret—and the FDA is ready to act

Jesse

• Published in News
• December 21, 2024

Childhood nostalgia isn’t complete without flashing back to the brightly colored candies, neon-hued cereals, or even the electric red sodas. They were practically staples of growing up in the ‘90s and early 2000s.

These fun-colored foods always looked like something out of a sci-fi movie—a little too bright to seem edible. However, we’d eat them without a second thought, never questioning what made those colors so vibrant. After all, they were fun. 

But as adults, we’re starting to ask: why is that gummy bear so red? Is it even safe? The short answer to that question is no.

For decades, Americans have been unknowingly consuming an ingredient that has raised alarms worldwide—Red 3, a synthetic food dye. It’s what gives some snacks, candies, and sodas their vibrant cherry-red hue, the kind you can spot from across the room. 

But here’s the kicker: Red 3 is made from petroleum. Yes, the same stuff we use to fuel our cars and make plastic. Delicious, right?

If that wasn’t enough to make you cringe, studies have linked Red 3 to serious health concerns, including cancer. Countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia banned it ages ago, while the U.S. kept it on the menu. 

Ironically, Red 3 was deemed too risky for cosmetics in 1990, yet it continued to color our food. But change may finally be on the horizon.

A pop of red… and a pop of carcinogens? Red 3 isn’t as sweet as it looks

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a nationwide ban on Red 3, a move that could protect millions from exposure to the controversial additive.

California became the first state to outlaw its use in food products last year, and several others—including New York and Illinois—are drafting their own legislation to follow suit.

Studies have linked Red3 to thyroid cancer risks.

FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones hinted that action could come within weeks as a petition to revoke Red 3’s authorization gains momentum. Lawmakers like Frank Pallone Jr. are urging for urgency, especially with the holiday season’s sugary temptations in full swing. 

“It is frightening that this chemical remains hidden in foods we and our children are eating,” Pallone said, emphasizing the need for stricter safety standards in the U.S.

Research suggests that Red 3 doesn’t just cause cancer in animal studies—it may also contribute to hyperactivity in children, potentially exacerbating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The concerns don’t stop with Red 3. Dyes like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 are also raising eyebrows. New studies suggest they may contain carcinogens or cause hypersensitivity reactions.

With mounting evidence and increasing pressure, the U.S. may finally join the ranks of countries like the UK and Japan in banning Red 3. And honestly, if it means we lose a little vibrancy in our food but gain peace of mind, it’s a trade-off worth making. Childhood nostalgia can survive without carcinogens.

Jesse