Important Things to Know

In a significant step to safeguard public well-being, the US Food and Drug Administration declared today it will prohibit the utilization of Scarlet Color No 3 in edibles, drinks, and consumed medications. Scarlet 3 is an artificial hue additive created from oil and scientifically identified as erythrosine; it is utilized to provide foods and beverages a vivid cherry-red hue recognized to induce cancer in animals and has been barred in beauty products since 1990.

As per CNN, the action is a response to a November 2022 request presented by numerous advocacy organizations and individuals, including the Centre for Science in the Public Interest and the Environmental Working Group, which mentioned connections to cancer. The ruling by the federal bureau also mirrors the move made by California, whose administration prohibited the additive in October 2023.

Manufacturers utilizing red No. 3 in food and ingested medications have until January 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028, respectively, to adjust their products, according to the FDA. Foods imported to the United States also need to adhere to the regulations.

What is Scarlet Color No 3?

As stated by Environmental Working Group, Scarlet 3 is a synthetic food coloring discovered in hundreds, if not thousands, of processed foods, especially confectionery and other sugary treats. The dye has been linked to a variety of severe health worries, particularly for youngsters.

Recent investigations further emphasize the hazards of this synthetic dye in food. A 2021 study by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment revealed that artificial dyes like Scarlet 3 are connected to an increased likelihood of behavioral issues in youngsters, including reduced attention span and memory problems.

Scarlet 3 has been identified as a notably detrimental food dye because studies indicate it induces cancer in animals.