The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Jan. 15 that is revoking authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food products and ingested pharmaceuticals, citing potential health concerns associated with the synthetic food dye.
The decision comes after years of scrutiny and debate over the safety of Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine.
Red No. 3 is a colorant that has been commonly used in a variety of products, including candies, cereals, and certain medications, to impart a bright pink or red hue.
The agency’s decision is based on a comprehensive review of scientific studies that have raised concerns about the potential carcinogenic effects of Red No. 3 when consumed in large quantities over extended periods, according to the agency’s announcement….