The FDA bans the Red 3 dye from food and medicine – a scientist explains the health risks and the long history of the synthetic dye

Red 3 – also FD&C Red No. 3, called erythrosine or E127 – has been widely utilized in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals since its inception FDA approval in 1969. You've probably encountered Red 3 before. It is a standard additive to many candies, drinks, baked goods, cereals, maraschino cherries, and gelatin desserts, in addition to certain medications, syrups, and cosmetics.

However, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that consuming Red 3 poses significant health risks. These risks led to this California desires to ban its use in food in 2023 and the Food and Drug Administration desires to ban its use in each food and medicine nationwide on January 15, 2025.

Study as a researcher Inflammation and cancerI study how synthetic food coloring affects human health. Stricter regulations reflect growing concerns in regards to the negative physiological effects of Red 3 and other synthetic dyes in your body, including the event of cancer.

Health risks of Red 3

Over the last 35 years, a increasing amount of scientific knowledge has identified the negative health effects of Red 3. While researchers haven’t yet established a direct link between Red 3 and cancer in humans, significant evidence from animal studies suggests its carcinogenic potential.

First red 3 disrupts the regulation of thyroid hormones through several mechanisms. It inhibits the flexibility of the thyroid absorb iodinea key component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and blocks one Enzyme essential and contributes to the conversion of 1 thyroid hormone into one other Thyroid dysfunction. Together with others Impairments in thyroid hormone functionRed 3 increases the danger of thyroid disease.

Second, Red 3 may promote the formation of thyroid tumors. Several studies expose Rats and pigs as much as Red 3 observed enlarged tumorous thyroid glands and abnormalities in hormone regulation.

Third, Red 3 can have toxic effects on the brain in a wide range of ways. Studies on rats have shown that it’s an artificial dye increases oxidative stresswhich damages tissue and reduces the antioxidants that control oxidative stress, thereby impairing communication between neurons. Studies in rodents also found that Red 3 triggers neuroinflammation This results in neuronal damage and dysfunction. In addition, Red 3 can interact with the amyloid beta peptides are related to neurodegenerative diseases resembling Alzheimer's disease and worsen these diseases.

Regulatory dynamics

Red 3 was first examined in several animal studies within the Nineteen Eighties I linked it Thyroid tumors in male rats. This led to this 1990 ban on cosmetics within the United States, although its use in food continued under industry pressure. While the European Union Although the US limited using Red 3 to only certain sorts of processed cherries in 1994, it lagged behind.

California's ban on Red 3 in 2023 in food, which can come into effect in 2027, has reignited and fueled the controversy about Red 3 and its link to cancer 24 organizations to advocate for federal motion.

This debate culminated within the FDA debate nationwide ban in January 2025. While the FDA doesn’t cite direct evidence of Red 3's carcinogenic effects in humans, it recognizes that animal studies provide sufficient basis for regulatory motion. The FDA's decision is consistent with the Delaney Clause of 1958 the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which requires a ban on additives which were proven to cause cancer in humans or animals.

It is noteworthy that it took over 35 years from the primary findings about thyroid cancer in rodents to the ultimate ban in 2025.

A way forward

The progression from the approval of Red 3 to its ban highlights the conflict between industrial interests and public health. Continued vigilance on Red 3 could help the country prioritize consumer safety.

According to the FDA's mandate, manufacturers must do that Reformulate foods and medications taken Red 3 ought to be omitted until January 2027 or January 2028. While some countries still allow using Red 3, US imports must meet domestic safety standards. Harmonizing global standards for regulating and evaluating synthetic dyes is critical to protecting consumer health.

Several corporations that sell highly processed foods have begun moving away from synthetic dyes. In 2016 Mars announced plans to remove all artificial colours from its human foods over a period of 5 years. In 2024 General Mills announced that it could eliminate artificial colours and flavors from its products.

Consumers can protect themselves from exposure to Red 3 by checking the ingredient labels for “FD&C Red No. 3” or “E127” and select products that use natural dyes. Another option is to organize homemade dishes with natural color alternatives resembling beet juice or turmeric. By supporting dye-free brands and staying informed about regulatory changes, you may further reduce your exposure while promoting safer food practices.

Ongoing research and policy reforms focused on public safety could help be sure that food additives like Red 3 now not pose a threat to consumers' health.