The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could soon ban the red dye no. 3 (erythrosine)banned in a large part of developed countries and present in drinks, sweets and snacks and linked to cancer in animals and hyperactivity in children, according to The Washington Post.
After decades of social pressure from some groups, the FDA may lean toward banning the petroleum-based cherry red dye. has a direct impact on childrensince it is found, above all, in products such as chewing gum or candy.
In fact, there are many countries such as China, Japan, the United Kingdom and all members of the European Union, where this dye is already prohibited in most food uses.
Additionally, in October 2023, the state of California passed a law to ban it at the state level.
In 1990, the FDA banned its use in cosmetic products after it was detected that a very high dose was related to cancer in experiments with rats, but never extended the ban to food.
Even so, the Administration, which approved the use of this additive more than 50 years ago, maintains, according to the newspaper, that it is a safe food: “Complete scientific evidence shows that these additives, when used at approved levels, are safe for all consumers.”.
The decision, which could be formalized in the coming weeks, could coincide with the transfer of portfolios between the Administration of the current president, Joe Biden, and the person elected in the last elections, Donald Trump.
If the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health of the second Trump Administration is confirmed, the ban on this dye could receive a boost, since the possible future secretary has previously declared that he is against dyes.
(With information from EFE)
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