Bradman explains FDA's Red Dye No. 3 ban

Asa Bradman spoke to California’s ABC10 explaining the FDA’s ban of Red Dye No.3 in the wake of concerns following studies showing it has been linked to cancer in animals. 

What is red dye No. 3 and why is it getting banned by the FDA?

“Red Dye No. 3 is a petroleum derived artificial food coloring that has been used for many years in the United States [and is] regulated by the Food and Drug Administration,” Bradman says in the video. 

“Since some years ago, there have been concerns raised about potential cancer risks related to this particular food dye.” He explains the reason it was not previously banned in food is that the mechanism that causes thyroid cancer in rats exposed to Red Dye No. 3 is not present in humans. 

That said, the regulatory structure called the Delaney Clause “prohibits any potential carcinogens from being in food,” Bradman says. “That has resulted in controversy over the use of Red Dye No 3. A number of advocacy and community groups have pushed for removing it from our food.” Based on their petitions, the FDA made the decision to “revoke authorization for this because of that risk that was shown in rodents.” 

Bradman thinks this decision makes sense because “even if we’re not sure that the exact mechanism is present in humans… if we have an artificial material that has no nutritional benefits and is being used in food, why keep it in food when there’s some concern that at least in some mammals it can cause cancer.” 

He also speaks to the following questions:

• What kinds of products typically use Red Dye No 3? 

• Should people stay away from all red food dyes? 

• What should families take away from this ban?  

Watch the full interview to learn more.