FDA bans Red 3 dye from food and drugs - a scientist explains the artificial color's health risks and long history
Briefly

Red 3, widely used since 1969 as a color additive in foods and cosmetics, has raised serious health concerns due to its link to thyroid dysfunction and possible carcinogenic effects. With mounting evidence from animal studies showing its impact on hormone regulation and tumor formation, California enacted a ban in 2023, while the FDA intends to follow suit by prohibiting its use in food and pharmaceuticals starting January 15, 2025. Ongoing research highlights the urgent need to reevaluate the safety of synthetic food dyes like Red 3 for public health.
Red 3, a synthetic dye prevalent in food and cosmetics, poses significant health risks, including potential thyroid dysfunction and possible carcinogenic effects.
The evidence against Red 3 has grown stronger over 35 years, leading to statewide bans and heightened concerns over its safety in human consumption.
Animal studies revealing Red 3's promotion of thyroid tumors and disruption of hormone regulation have prompted significant regulatory action to mitigate these health risks.
Despite a lack of direct human cancer links, substantial studies raise serious alarms about Red 3's effects on both thyroid health and brain toxicity.
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