December 31st 2024.
The Food and Drug Administration is currently considering whether or not to ban the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye used to give foods and drinks a bright, eye-catching crimson color. This decision is the result of a petition filed in 2022, which urged the FDA to revoke the authorization of this color additive in foods and ingested drugs. Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones spoke about this petition at a recent Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee meeting, expressing hope that a decision will be made in the coming weeks.
The FDA has acknowledged that Red No. 3, which is derived from petroleum, has been shown to cause cancer in animals. However, studies have not shown any significant safety concerns for humans. Despite this, Jones emphasized that any chemical proven to be carcinogenic for either animals or humans cannot be authorized by the FDA. He also mentioned the agency's need for better funding for chemical safety, noting that any decision to ban a substance could be challenged in court, and the FDA must be prepared with strong scientific evidence.
When comparing the FDA's review system to that of the European Union, Jones admitted that the US is lagging behind. The EU has been conducting post-market reviews of chemicals for over 20 years, while the FDA has no statutory mandate to do so. However, Jones revealed that the FDA is in the process of reorganizing and will soon have an entire office dedicated to reevaluating chemicals. He and FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf stressed the importance of congressional support in order to properly carry out these reassessments.
It's worth noting that the FDA has approved other certified FD&C color additives for use in foods, including Blue Nos. 1 and 2, Green No. 3, Red Nos. 3 and 40, and Yellow Nos. 5 and 6. These additives are commonly found in processed foods such as candies, jams, jellies, snacks, and pie fillings, and are used to create vibrant, intense colors. However, concerns have been raised about the potential neurological effects of food dyes, as they are also found in drugs and cosmetics. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has linked some children's consumption of food dyes to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems.
In related news, a recent incident involving Google Maps misrouting a vehicle off a demolished bridge and resulting in the deaths of three security guards has sparked further discussions about the need for proper regulation and oversight in the technology industry. As we await the FDA's decision on Red No. 3, it is important to consider the potential consequences of allowing potentially harmful substances to be used in our food and everyday products.
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