Pallone Calls on FDA to Ban Red Dye 3
“I urge you to prioritize immediate action to ban companies from adding this chemical to our foods.”
Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today to take immediate action to prevent the use of Red Dye 3 in products the agency regulates.
Red Dye 3, chemically known as Erythrosine, is a colorant that remains on the market as an approved food dye under FDA’s purview despite the agency banning its use in other products over 30 years ago. The chemical is a known animal carcinogen and has been shown to have lifelong health consequences for children.
“There is simply no reason for this chemical to be in our food except to entice and mislead consumers by changing the color of their food so it looks more appealing,” Pallone wrote. “With the holiday season in full swing where sweet treats are abundant, it is frightening that this chemical remains hidden in these foods that we and our children are eating. While food companies must ensure that the food they market is safe, they are also only required to ensure that their products meet FDA’s standards. This means that thousands of products that contain this chemical can remain on the market.”
In 2022, the Center for Science in the Public Interest submitted a citizen petition to FDA citing the health concerns published in prominent literature and asking for removal of Red Dye 3 from the permanent list of color additives approved for use in food and dietary supplements. FDA has not yet responded to the petition, however, some states are beginning to ban the use of Red Dye 3 on their own. For example, California banned the chemical from use in food and lawmakers in many other states have introduced legislation to do the same.
“While I appreciate FDA’s commitment to evaluating all scientific information and data in determining the safety of color additives, it is long past time that this chemical is banned from our food,” Pallone continued. “I urge you to prioritize immediate action to ban companies from adding this chemical to our foods.”
Read the full letter HERE.
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