On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the revocation of FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, based on health concerns related to its use as a food dye. This decision has sparked discussions across the nation, particularly among parents concerned about the additives present in foods consumed by their children.
Red No. 3 has been under scrutiny for its potential carcinogenic effects, highlighted by studies indicating its link to cancer when tested on male laboratory rats. Despite the FDA's conclusion, the agency clarified, "Studies in other animals or humans did not show the same effect, and there is no evidence showing FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in humans." Nonetheless, the FDA's enforcement of the Delaney Clause, which prohibits any food additive proven to cause cancer, led to the ban. Manufacturers of products containing this dye will need to reformulate their recipes by 2027.
Accompanying the FDA's decision, State Sen. Emily Jordan, representing Isle of Wight County, has been proactive by sponsoring legislation aimed at banning several synthetic food dyes from public school menus. This proposed bill, known as Senate Bill 1289, has already gained unanimous support from the Senate Committee on Education and Health, indicating strong bipartisan backing.
Sen. Jordan's bill seeks to extend the FDA's ban on Red No. 3 to include six other color additives: FD&C Blue No. 1 and 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, and Yellow No. 5 and No. 6. Jordan stated, "Working with concerned parents, I developed legislation... to prohibit Virginia public schools from serving and selling foods containing harmful synthetic food dye additives." She emphasized the need to protect children from potential health risks associated with these colorants.
The history of Red No. 3 is outlined by both FDA regulations and past usage; it has been featured in foods for over 100 years, being first approved by the USDA back in 1907. The numerous health cautionary tales throughout its history, including its prior ban from cosmetics due to safety concerns, have prompted consumer advocacy organizations to call for increased scrutiny.
Across the country, states are following California's lead, which has already enacted legislation to ban Red No. 3 and is considering similar measures for other dyes. Reports have emerged linking synthetic food dyes to adverse health effects, including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children. This common concern across diverse communities has put significant pressure on lawmakers to take action.
Historical food additives like salt and sugar initially served as preservatives but transformed over time to address various aspects of food—appearances, flavors, and shelf-life stability. Today, the dichotomy lies between natural and synthetic food additives, with many debating the long-term impact of the latter on health.
The FDA requires manufacturers to submit substantial evidence of safety before introducing any new food additive—an arduous process, but necessary according to experts. Additives certified under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) standard have undergone rigorous assessment and are deemed safe based on historical usage.
Nevertheless, the case with Red No. 3 serves as a reminder of the need for continuous evaluation of food safety, as public health regulations must keep pace with new data and scientific findings. Consumers are urged to remain informed and vigilant about food safety and regulatory practices. Jordan’s bill has pivoted the conversation to school environments as safe spaces where children should be shielded from potentially harmful chemicals.
With the FDA's ban setting the stage, Virginia's schools may soon become the forefront of safer eating practices for children. Their commitment to reformulating food options served at schools will contribute to protecting public health, especially among vulnerable populations. Sen. Jordan hopes there will be overwhelming bipartisan support for this initiative, which reflects broader parental concerns about children's health.
The FDA continually monitors approved additives for safety, and its decisions are pivotal. Red No. 3's legacy is quickly shifting, as regulatory scrutiny mounts over synthetic food dyes. The path forward hinges on collective action to prioritize consumer safety—particularly for children growing up amid increasing challenges linked to food and health.