NEWS · C1 Level - Part 1

Red Dye Number 3 is banned in the US

The US Food and Drug Administration just banned the use of red dye number three - it's an artificial dye in food, beverages, and medicines.

Level: C1 · 22 sentences

Transcript

  1. The US Food and Drug Administration just banned the use of red dye number three - it's an artificial dye in food, beverages, and medicines.
  2. And it's made from petroleum. That's right, fossil fuel in food.
  3. It's a synthetic color additive that creates a bright cherry red color.
  4. And for decades, scientists have known about its links to causing cancer in animals.
  5. CNN's Jacquline Howard explains what it took for the FDA to ban the dye
  6. and how the changes will take effect.
  7. What the FDA is doing specifically is revoking the authorization of red dye number three as a type of color additive.
  8. And this comes after a petition in 2022 called for the FDA to review the use of the substance.
  9. And it comes more than 30 years after scientists discovered links to cancer in animals.
  10. Now, what happens next for manufacturers using red dye number three in food?
  11. They have until January 15th, 2027, to reformulate their products.
  12. And those using it in ingested medications have until January 18th, 2028.
  13. Some states, like California, have already banned this ingredient but...
  14. this is now a national ban under the FDA.
  15. And this type of bright red dye, it's an artificial coloring, it's made from petroleum,
  16. And it's used in at least dozens of candies, foods, beverages.
  17. But some of the most popular brands either don't use it or have already stopped.
  18. Instead, they tend to use another ingredient, red dye number 40,
  19. which is considered a healthier alternative.
  20. However, there have been some health concerns with red dye number 40 too.
  21. And the state of California has banned it from foods and drinks sold in public schools.
  22. So we can expect more conversation in this space in the future.