RFK Jr.’s Plan to BAN Cancerous Food Dyes Approved By FDA

The FDA has announced a ban on the artificial food coloring Red No. 3, citing potential health risks and its link to thyroid cancer in animals.

It was a major pledge by RFK Jr. and it’s only happening now because he’s about to enter government.

At a Glance

  • FDA bans Red No. 3 in food products and oral medications due to cancer concerns
  • Ban takes effect for food by January 15, 2027, and for ingested drugs by January 18, 2028
  • Red No. 3 is found in over 2,800 food items and some medications
  • California and other states have already taken action against the additive
  • FDA maintains the dye doesn’t pose significant risk to humans

FDA Takes Action Against Red No. 3

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a significant step in food safety by announcing a ban on the artificial food coloring Red No. 3. This decision comes after decades of debate and mounting evidence linking the additive to thyroid cancer in laboratory animals. The ban will affect a wide range of products, from candies and snacks to certain medications, requiring manufacturers to find alternative coloring agents.

According to the FDA’s timeline, food products containing Red No. 3 must be phased out by January 15, 2027, while ingested drugs have until January 18, 2028, to comply. This move aligns with the Delaney Clause, a federal law mandating the FDA to ban any additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Make no mistake: this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for RFK Jr. pushing the issue so hard.

Widespread Use and Potential Health Concerns

Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a petroleum-based color additive that has been used extensively in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It’s found in over 2,800 food items on U.S. shelves, including popular candies, fruit juices, and snack foods. Additionally, several medications such as Tylenol PM, gabapentin, doxycycline, and Vyvanse contain this colorant.

While the FDA maintains that Red No. 3 does not pose a significant risk to humans, studies have linked it to thyroid cancer in animals and potential behavioral issues like ADHD in children. This is particularly concerning given that children aged 2 to 5 consume about twice as much Red No. 3 per body weight compared to the general population.

The food and drug industries have been preparing for this possibility for some time, with some manufacturers already replacing Red No. 3 with natural alternatives. Beet juice, carmine, and pigments from foods like purple sweet potato and red cabbage are being explored as potential substitutes. The Consumer Brands Association has stated that companies will comply with the FDA’s decision, highlighting the industry’s commitment to consumer safety.

“Food safety is the number one priority for US confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDA’s guidance and safety standards,” the National Confectioners Association said in a statement.

However, the ban may face legal challenges from some food manufacturers, as evidence has not conclusively shown that the dye causes cancer in humans. The International Association of Color Manufacturers continues to defend the dye’s safety at typical consumption levels, citing research from the UN and WHO.

Why would food manufacturers fight so hard to keep man-made chemicals in our food?