Latest news with #Red3
CNET
13-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Say Goodbye to Red Dye No. 3 and Hello to FDA-Approved Natural Food Dyes
The US Food and Drug Administration officially banned Red dye No. 3, a popular food coloring tied to thyroid cancer, in January of this year. Although the decision marks the beginning of the end for the additive, manufacturers still have time to phase it out of their products. On May 9, the FDA announced the approval of three natural food colors derived from natural sources: red algae, butterfly pea flower and calcium phosphate. Here's everything to know about the synthetic red dye and the newly approved natural dyes. What is Red No. 3? Red No. 3 -- also known as FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine or Red 3 -- is a synthetic dye that is made from petroleum and adds a "bright, cherry-red color" to the products it is added to. In 1990, the FDA banned Red No. 3 in cosmetics, but no law barred the synthetic dye from being added to numerous types of foods and drinks in the decades that followed. The FDA cited the Delaney Clause as its reasoning behind the ban, which "prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals." Although studies did show a link to cancer in laboratory rats, a link between the dye and cancer in humans has not been found. "While there are studies noting carcinogenicity in male rats, the FDA noted in their announcement that the hormonal mechanism through which the dye caused cancer in rats is specific to the animal and does not occur in humans," Bryan Hitchcock, chief science and technology officer of the Institute of Food Technologists, told CNET. Hitchcock added that the studies used large amounts of the dye, which is more than what the average human would consume when eating the foods that contain it. "Studies testing Red No. 3 for human safety have done so at amounts well above the average amount of consumption, as noted by various global regulatory bodies," he says. "The studies referenced by the FDA note that the rats were given roughly 200 times the likely maximum daily consumption of .25 mg/kg of body weight per day." Foods that contain Red No. 3 Here are 9 common types of foods that contain Red No. 3: Candy Cupcakes Cookies Frozen desserts Frostings Icings Certain Maraschino cherries Certain processed meats and meat substitutes Red No. 3 has previously been banned in other countries, including items that currently have Red No. 3 on their ingredient list are: Numerous types of Brach's candy, including Classic Jelly Beans, Spiced Jelly Beans and Conversation Hearts MorningStar Farms Plant-Based Bacon Strips Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Dessert Bars Pez candy According to a list compiled by some drugs that have Red No. 3 include: Acetaminophen Doxycycline Monohydrate Gabapentin Vyvanse The Environmental Working Group has compiled a searchable database of food products that use the now-banned dye. As of April 29, 2025, the site had collected 3,225 products that list Red No. 3 as an ingredient. When do companies need to remove Red No. 3 from products? Despite the ban, don't expect to see the Red No. 3 ingredient disappear from ingredient lists too quickly. According to the FDA, companies have a couple of years to remove it from their products. "Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products," the FDA statement reads. What will replace Red No. 3? Red Dye No. 3 will soon be replaced by food coloring made from beets and other natural ingredients. istetiana/Getty Images Givaudan Sense Colour, a manufacturing company that creates natural food and drink colorings, highlighted three possible alternatives to Red No. 3 -- carmine, which is made from bugs; betacyanins, found in beetroots; and anthocyanins, derived from fruits and vegetables. California Assembly member Jesse Gabriel told NBC News that although synthetic dyes can be cheaper than other alternatives, he does not believe that the Red No. 3 ban will cause prices of the affected products to change. "We don't expect the price of any food to increase," he told the outlet. New natural food dyes approved by the FDA In May of this year, the FDA approved three natural food dye colors. The first is Galdieria extract blue, which is derived from a species of red algae. According to a press release, this food color has been approved to be added to "nonalcoholic beverages and beverage bases, fruit drinks, fruit smoothies, fruit juices, vegetable juices, dairy-based smoothies, milk shakes and flavored milks, yogurt drinks, milk-based meal replacement and nutritional beverages, breakfast cereal coatings, hard candy, soft candy and chewing gum." Butterfly pea flower has also been approved to create blues, purples and greens. This popular natural food dye is already used in sports drinks, teas, alcoholic beverages and more. However, the new approval now allows the dye to be used in "ready-to-eat cereals, crackers, snack mixes, hard pretzels, plain potato chips (restructured or baked), plain corn chips, tortilla chips and multigrain chips." Lastly, the mineral, chlorine phosphate, and its white color has been approved for "ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar and sugar for coated candies," per the release. Will Red 40 be banned? The FDA has not yet banned red dye No. 40, but discussions are ongoing. According to a press release from April 22, 2025, the FDA plans to eventually phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which include Red No. 40. Are other syntethic food colorings safe? After the Red No. 3 ban, there are now eight approved color additives (but this may change under the current administration). They are FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6. Hitchcock says that so far, studies show that there is not a notable risk to consuming these dyes. "While science tells us that there is little to no risk in consuming other synthetic dyes, it is important that we continue to monitor and evaluate food ingredient safety," he says. "It is paramount that we continue to invest in more scientific research around the health of our foods to ensure safety and provide peace of mind for consumers." According to the FDA, the above dyes do not pose the same possible risks as Red No. 3, which is why they are still available for use in the US. But, some studies show possible links between certain dyes and potential health conditions. For example, some studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but further studies are still needed to determine a direct link between the dye and the condition. When asked about the safety of other food dyes, Hitchcock highlighted the need for transparency from the FDA, which he says the agency has been addressing. "We believe there needs to be a clear framework for post-market review for food additive safety," Hitchcock says. "The FDA is actively working to address this issue as seen in their Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for the FDA's Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food. IFT believes that the FDA needs to bring forward a post-market assessment of chemical food safety that is transparent, scientifically grounded, constituent informed and timely." If a drink looks too red to be natural, it probably is. Images Does food coloring have a taste? Most foods contain food coloring in such small amounts that you won't notice a specific taste. However, some food coloring brands, types or certain colors (like red) may taste slightly bitter if a lot is used. The bottom line on Red No. 3 Red No. 3 has been fully banned in the US, but will continue to be used in food for the next two years as manufacturers work to change their recipes. However, some manufacturers are making changes much more quickly than that. In an email to CBS News, Keurig Dr Pepper said that a "new formula" for Yoo-hoo Strawberry Flavored Drink, which is currently made with Red No. 3 to help achieve its color, "will be on shelves before the end of the year."
Epoch Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
FDA Approves 3 Natural Color Additives Amid Push to Remove Artificial Food Coloring
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three color additives derived from natural sources for use in food products, responding to increasing public concern over the health risks associated with synthetic dyes. The agency on Friday 'The FDA determines whether an additive is safe to use by considering the projected human dietary exposure to the color additive, the additive's toxicological data, and other relevant information, such as published literature,' the agency said. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made phasing out synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply a centerpiece of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, hailed the decision as 'a major step' toward that goal. 'For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks,' he said in a press release. 'We're removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives—to protect families and support healthier choices.' The FDA said the final rule will be published in the Federal Register on May 12 and take effect in June. Related Stories 5/6/2025 5/2/2025 The decision follows an April announcement by Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary outlining their The officials did say they would revoke authorization for two artificial dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and fast-track the revocation of Red 3, a food color additive banned in January after laboratory tests on rats The Newly Approved Natural Dyes Galdieria extract blue is derived from Galdieria sulphuraria, a red microalgae found in highly acidic volcanic springs. It carries a water-soluble blue pigment called C-Phycocyanin, according to The dye is approved for a wide range of products, including fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, flavored milks, yogurt drinks, milk-based meal replacements, breakfast cereals, candies, chewing gum, frostings, ice creams, popsicles, gelatin desserts, puddings, and dairy or non-dairy creamers and whipped toppings. Butterfly pea flower extract is a blue color that can produce a range of shades, including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens, according to the FDA. It is made by extracting pigment from the dried petals of the butterfly pea plant, which is native to and widely found in southern United States. Previously approved for beverages and frozen treats, the FDA has now expanded its permitted uses to include cereals, crackers, snack mixes, hard pretzels, plain potato and corn chips, tortilla chips, and multigrain chips. The expanded use stems from a February 2024 petition submitted by Sensient Colors, a major global supplier of food dyes headquartered in St. Louis. Calcium phosphate is a naturally occurring mineral made of calcium and phosphorus, and has been newly approved as a white colorant for ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar, and coating sugars for candy. This approval followed a 2023 petition by Innophos Inc., a New Jersey-based mineral solutions company.
NBC News
09-05-2025
- Health
- NBC News
FDA will allow new color additives made from minerals, algae and flower petals
U.S. regulators said Friday that they would allow three new color additives made from natural sources to be used in the nation's food supply. It comes after health officials pledged a sweeping phase-out of petroleum-based dyes widely used in foods from cereals to sports drinks to boost health — though action is still pending. The Food and Drug Administration said it is granting petitions to allow galdieria extract blue, a blue color derived from algae; calcium phosphate, a white color derived from a naturally occurring mineral; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color made from dried flower petals. The colors will be approved for use in a range of foods from fruit drinks and yogurt to pretzels, ready-to-eat chicken and candies. The move 'will expand the palette of available colors from natural sources for manufacturers to safely use in food,' FDA officials said in a statement. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating the dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems for some children, including hyperactivity and attention issues. The FDA has maintained for decades that the approved dyes are safe and that 'the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.' The new color approvals include a 2021 petition from the French company Fermentalg to allow galdieria extract blue; a 2023 petition from Innophos Inc. of Cranbury, New Jersey, to allow calcium phosphate; and a 2024 petition from Sensient Colors LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, to allow butterfly pea flower extract. The approvals are set to be published in the federal register on May 12 and would take effect in June. In April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced that they would take steps to eliminate synthetic food dyes in the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, largely through voluntary efforts from the food industry. The officials also said they would revoke authorization for two little-used artificial dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and accelerate the timeline to remove Red 3, a food color banned in January because of a link to cancer in laboratory rats. The FDA plans to initiate the process to revoke those colors 'within the coming months,' a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
FDA will allow three new color additives made from minerals, algae and flower petals
U.S. regulators said Friday that they would allow three new color additives made from natural sources to be used in the nation's food supply. It comes after health officials pledged a sweeping phase-out of petroleum-based dyes widely used in foods from cereals to sports drinks to boost health — though action is still pending. The Food and Drug Administration said it is granting petitions to allow galdieria extract blue, a blue color derived from algae; calcium phosphate, a white color derived from a naturally occurring mineral; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color made from dried flower petals. The colors will be approved for use in a range of foods from fruit drinks and yogurt to pretzels, ready-to-eat chicken and candies. The move 'will expand the palette of available colors from natural sources for manufacturers to safely use in food,' FDA officials said in a statement. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating the dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems for some children, including hyperactivity and attention issues. The FDA has maintained for decades that the approved dyes are safe and that 'the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.' The new color approvals include a 2021 petition from the French company Fermentalg to allow galdieria extract blue; a 2023 petition from Innophos Inc. of Cranbury, New Jersey, to allow calcium phosphate; and a 2024 petition from Sensient Colors LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, to allow butterfly pea flower extract. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The approvals are set to be published in the federal register on May 12 and would take effect in June. In April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced that they would take steps to eliminate synthetic food dyes in the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, largely through voluntary efforts from the food industry. The officials also said they would revoke authorization for two little-used artificial dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and accelerate the timeline to remove Red 3, a food color banned in January because of a link to cancer in laboratory rats. The FDA plans to initiate the process to revoke those colors 'within the coming months,' a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA will allow three new color additives made from minerals, algae and flower petals
U.S. regulators said Friday that they would allow three new color additives made from natural sources to be used in the nation's food supply. It comes after health officials pledged a sweeping phase-out of petroleum-based dyes widely used in foods from cereals to sports drinks to boost health — though action is still pending. The Food and Drug Administration said it is granting petitions to allow galdieria extract blue, a blue color derived from algae; calcium phosphate, a white color derived from a naturally occurring mineral; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color made from dried flower petals. The colors will be approved for use in a range of foods from fruit drinks and yogurt to pretzels, ready-to-eat chicken and candies. The move 'will expand the palette of available colors from natural sources for manufacturers to safely use in food,' FDA officials said in a statement. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating the dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems for some children, including hyperactivity and attention issues. The FDA has maintained for decades that the approved dyes are safe and that 'the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.' The new color approvals include a 2021 petition from the French company Fermentalg to allow galdieria extract blue; a 2023 petition from Innophos Inc. of Cranbury, New Jersey, to allow calcium phosphate; and a 2024 petition from Sensient Colors LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, to allow butterfly pea flower extract. The approvals are set to be published in the federal register on May 12 and would take effect in June. In April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced that they would take steps to eliminate synthetic food dyes in the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, largely through voluntary efforts from the food industry. The officials also said they would revoke authorization for two little-used artificial dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and accelerate the timeline to remove Red 3, a food color banned in January because of a link to cancer in laboratory rats. The FDA plans to initiate the process to revoke those colors 'within the coming months,' a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
