Nutritionists express disappointment over the long-awaited red food dye ban: 'It should have happened sooner'

The FDA has banned red dye No. 3, or erythrosine, from foods and oral medications due to a potential cancer risk.

The Associated Press reported that food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove Red 3 dye from their products, while drug manufacturers have until January 2028 to do the same.

Nutritionists and health experts praised the removal of additives from America's food supply following the Wednesday announcement of the new ban.

Ilana Muhlstein, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist, expressed her enthusiasm about the FDA's decision to ban the synthetic dye that has been used in candy, cereals, and strawberry-flavored drinks for "an extended period."

It's astonishing that this decision was made over three decades after the same dye was banned in cosmetics due to evidence linking it to cancer in animals, as she stated on Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Advocacy groups and researchers have long advocated for this change, arguing that it poses cancer risks and may be linked to hyperactivity and ADHD in children."

Robin DeCicco, a certified holistic nutritionist and founder of The Power of Food Education in New York, stated that "it's about time" Red 3 was banned.

"The dye in lipsticks and blushes was removed 30 years ago, yet it is still allowed in our food supply," she emphasized to Planet Chronicle Digital. "Research has shown that the dye can cause cancer in rats."

"Our kids deserved better, and it’s frustrating that it took this long for action to be taken."

Although Muhlstein acknowledges that the ban is beneficial for public health, she remains frustrated that it took so long to be implemented.

""Red dye No. 3 was banned by other countries, including those in the EU, in the 1980s, but big food manufacturers lobbied to delay the decision because these artificial dyes are inexpensive, easy to use, and profitable," she pointed out."

She observed that the dye is frequently found in items aimed at kids, including colorful lollipops, candies, and breakfast cereals.

"It's frustrating that it took so long for action to be taken, given our kids deserved better, according to Muhlstein," he stated.

‘Stay informed’

While the ban is a positive step, it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant about the food we give our families.

Experts reveal that red dye No. 3 is present in various products, such as pre-packaged vegan meats, fruit cups, mini muffin snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice, and sugar-free water flavors, which may not be immediately obvious.

Consumers should always read ingredient labels and seek natural alternatives to these products, as advised by DeCicco.

"Eating foods with high-quality ingredients is key, not deprivation or restriction," she emphasized. "The ingredients are what truly matter, and they're readily available."

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DeCicco stated that working with families with kids who have ADHD and removing sugar and artificial food dyes and additives can alleviate symptoms in some cases as part of treatment.

Colorful food without carcinogens

Nutritionists advise against consuming foods with red dye or erythrosine, but there are healthier, natural alternatives to make food fun.

To give a natural red hue to a baking recipe, such as vanilla cake, Muhlstein suggests adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice.

She recommends adding crushed-up, freeze-dried strawberries to white frosting or whipped cream.

She mentioned that beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, and mashed raspberries are also excellent alternatives.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.