The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is set to make a decision on banning Red No. 3, a synthetic food dye linked to hyperactivity and ADHD development. The dye, made from petroleum, is found in many children’s snacks, candies, and cereals.
Toxicology expert Jamie Alan says the FDA has been battling to get rid of the dye due to research showing its potential health risks. “Snacks, candies, cereals, and other products are common targets,” he stated.
Alan notes that long-term exposure to Red 3 can cause hyperactivity and contribute to ADHD development. There is an alternative – natural food dyes that provide color without negative effects on behavior.
According to food chemist Alyson Mitchell, the use of artificial food dyes increased significantly around 2000. However, her research shows companies are slowly removing them, despite growing awareness of their potential links to behavioral diseases in children.
Some states have already taken action, banning six FDA-approved artificial food dyes by 2027 and advancing legislation to ban Red No. 3 in Illinois and New York. The FDA is expected to make a decision on the ban within the next few weeks.
Source: https://www.komonews.com/news/nation-world/fda-considering-ban-on-popular-artificial-red-dye-found-in-candy-drinks-united-states-food-drug-administration-red-no-3-cereals-bright-colors-michigan-state-university-petroleum