This episode of Food Safety Five takes an in-depth look at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) recent decision to revoke authorizations for the use of red dye 3 in foods and ingested drugs, effectively banning the chemical. We cover the legal and scientific justifications behind the decision, as well as external pressures from the public, consumer groups, Congresspeople, and state legislators leading to the ban.

News Articles:

• FDA Bans Red Dye 3 in Food
• California Continues Targeting Food Additives, Dyes With Executive Order on Ultra-Processed Foods
• FDA Could Decide Whether to Ban Red Dye 3 in Food ‘In the Next Few Weeks,’ Officials Reveal in Senate Hearing
• Congress Members Urge FDA to Ban Red Dye 3 in Food
• FDA Budget Constraints Lead to International Information-Sharing for Chemical Safety Reviews
• FDA Outlines its Developing Systematic Post-Market Review Process for Chemicals in Food
• Safe School Meals Act Addresses Pesticides, PFAS, Food Dyes, and More in School Lunches
• Harvard Medical, Law Experts Call on FDA to Better Ensure Safety of GRAS Food Additives
• California Bill Banning Some Artificial Colors in School Foods Advances, Awaits Signature Into Law
• The Evolving Landscape of Food Additives Regulation in the U.S., from the States to FDA
• California Food Safety Act Signed Into Law, Officially Banning Four Toxic Additives by 2027
• FDA is Petitioned to Ban Red Dye 3 in Food Based on Harmful Health Effects, Children’s Exposure