FDA Bans Red Dye No, 3 For Causing Cancer in Humans and Animals

Red Dye No. 3 Banned by Food and Drug Administration in the US

What You Need to Know About the Red Dye No. 3 Ban

The recent ban of Red Dye No. 3 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sparked significant concerns about the safety of artificial food colorings. This dye, long used in food, beverages, and medications, has been linked to cancer in animal studies. What does this mean for consumers, and how can you protect yourself and your loved ones? Our Philadelphia food contamination lawyer breaks down the issue, the risks, and what steps you can take if you’ve been harmed by hazardous substances.

Red Dye No. 3 Ban: Why It Happened – Why was Red Dye #3 Banned by the FDA?

Red Dye No. 3, chemically known as erythrosine and derived from petroleum, has been banned by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effects observed in animal studies. Despite these concerns being raised over 30 years ago, the dye continued to be permitted under specific conditions. This recent FDA action follows a 2022 petition by advocacy groups citing extensive research linking the dye to cancer in rats and raising questions about its safety for humans.

The Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits the FDA from approving any color additive linked to cancer in humans or animals. Yet, Red Dye No. 3 was used widely in consumables, leaving many questioning the FDA’s regulatory practices.

Safety Concerns About Other Food Dyes

While Red Dye No. 3 is now banned, other artificial food dyes remain under scrutiny. For instance, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dyes Nos. 5 and 6, and Blue Dyes No’s. 1 and 2 have also been linked to potential health risks. These include behavioral issues in children, developmental delays, and even carcinogenic properties. Despite mounting evidence, these dyes are still approved for use in the United States, highlighting a gap in regulatory oversight.

“The FDA’s reviews of these dyes date back to the mid-20th century, long before modern toxicological studies were available,” says one expert. This has led to increasing public pressure for updated safety assessments.

Health Risks Associated with Artificial Dyes

Artificial dyes, many of which are derived from petroleum, have been associated with a range of health concerns, including:

  • Cancer Risk: Studies on animals link dyes like Red No. 3 and others to tumor growth.
  • Behavioral Issues: Synthetic dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and irritability in children.
  • Toxicity: Dyes like Yellow Nos. 5 and 6 contain carcinogenic contaminants like benzidine.
  • Cumulative Effects: Even small exposures may accumulate over time, posing long-term risks.

Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller body sizes and developmental stages, making it crucial for parents to be vigilant about these substances.

What Does This Mean for Consumers? Red Dye #3 – What Should You Know?

The FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3 will require manufacturers to reformulate products containing this dye by January 2027 for food and January 2028 for medications. However, other dyes remain in widespread use. Consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure:

  1. Read Labels: Look for ingredient names like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
  2. Avoid Ultraprocessed Foods: These are more likely to contain artificial dyes.
  3. Opt for Natural Alternatives: Choose products that use natural colorants like beet juice or turmeric.
  4. Check Medications: Some medications may also contain synthetic dyes. Consult with a pharmacist or physician for alternatives.

Legal Recourse for Harmful Exposure

If you or your loved one has suffered health complications due to harmful additives like Red Dye No. 3, you may have grounds for lawsuit. Our Philadelphia product liability attorneys are here to help. Employers, manufacturers, and other entities have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of the products they distribute. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.

What to Do if You’re Affected

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been harmed by Red Dye No. 3 or other artificial food dyes, here are the steps you can take:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Consult a healthcare provider to document your condition and assess any potential exposure-related risks.
  2. Preserve Evidence: Keep any products or packaging that may have caused harm.
  3. Consult Our Legal Team: Our Philadelphia food contamination lawyer and drug error lawyer can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

The Path Forward: Ensuring Consumer Safety

The FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a step forward, but it also highlights the need for more comprehensive oversight of artificial dyes and other additives. As stakeholders push for updated regulations, consumers must remain proactive in protecting their health.

If you’ve been impacted by hazardous substances, contact our Philadelphia hazardous substances lawyer to explore your options. Together, we can hold negligent parties accountable and advocate for safer products for all.

Famous Lawsuits Associated with Food or Drug Hazardous Ingredients

Several notable lawsuits in the United States have addressed health issues linked to food dyes and other food ingredients:

Daily Harvest’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles: In 2022, consumers reported severe gastrointestinal and gallbladder-related illnesses after consuming this product. A subsequent lawsuit led to a $7.67 million settlement, with affected individuals eligible to claim up to $173,330.

Abbott Laboratories’ Toddler Milks: In January 2025, a lawsuit accuses Abbott of deceptive marketing sugary toddler milks under the Similac brand as a necessary post-infant formula. The suit alleges these products can cause health issues like obesity, contradicting recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Lindt’s Dark Chocolate Bars: A 2023 Consumer Reports study found unsafe levels of lead and cadmium in Lindt’s dark chocolate bars. This led to a class-action lawsuit in the U.S., claiming that such contamination contradicts Lindt’s quality claims and poses health risks, including developmental issues in children and organ damage in adults.

Quaker Oats Company’s Trans Fat Content: In 2010, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Quaker Oats for marketing products containing trans fats as healthy. By 2014, Quaker agreed to remove trans fats from its products at a cost of $1.4 million, though the company denied any misleading labeling.

Nutella’s Health Claims: In 2012, a lawsuit challenged Nutella’s advertising that portrayed the spread as healthy and nutritious. The case resulted in a $3.05 million settlement, highlighting the importance of accurate health claims in food marketing.

These cases underscore the legal accountability of food manufacturers in ensuring product safety and truthful marketing. If you or your loved one suffer from the manufacturer or distributor negligence or failure to ensure healthy and approved by the FDA ingredients and dyes, contact our Philadelphia defective drugs and contaminated food lawyers. 

Schedule Free Initial Consultation with Your Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer!

Call (610) 351- 2330 to schedule free initial consultation. We honestly believe that all customers deserve the best quality of food and medications! That is why we hold negligent and reckless manufacturers and other parties responsible for safe food and drugs liable and accountable for customer’s health issues, cognitive impairments, developmental delays and cancers. 

Our Philadelphia product liability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis to ensure accessibility and affordability for all individuals harmed by food and drug manufacturers. We stand by your side and work diligently on your behalf from initiation to resolution – contact us online to schedule your free consultation today!

 

 

Last Updated on January 21, 2025

Matthew C. Trapani

The injury lawyers at the Trapani Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients injured in catastrophic car accidents and other personal injury accidents. Additionally, our personal injury law firm has handled wrongful death claims for families of victims killed or injured in tragic accidents. There is no cost to our clients until our experienced attorneys have won your case. The Trapani Law Firm would like our visitors to be aware that we obtain our information through secondary sources so it is entirely possible that our news blog posts may contain data that is not 100% accurate. If we have improper information posted on our blog please feel free to email us so we can make the necessary adjustments. Our law firm has posted this news blog for informative purposes, in order to help keep our local community safer. The Trapani Law Firm handles these types of injury cases, however whether or not attorney representation is needed is a very private decision that we honor. DISCLAIMER: The information above is not intended to express or constitute legal or medical advice.