The Food and Drug Administration will decide whether to ban a common, artificial food dye often used in candy, snacks and beverages. The FDA said it has reviewed the safety of Red Dye No. 3, made from petroleum “multiple times” since its first approval in 1969.
However, there’s a petition asking the agency to investigate the controversial dye once more.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, the FDA’s deputy commissioner told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee it’s hoping to act on the petition within the “next few weeks.”
More than 2,800 products contain the red dye, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It’s used in popular products advertised for kids, including Fruit by the Foot, Nerds and Peeps.
Red Dye No. 3 doesn’t add any nutritional value to the product. Public health groups also found links to behavioral problems in children, such as hyperactivity.
The FDA banned the dye in makeup and topical drugs in 1990. Researchers found it to be carcinogenic to animals in high doses. Yet, the FDA’s deputy commissioner said the agency believes there’s no risk to humans.
Last year, California banned Red Dye No. 3, along with three other food dyes. Several countries, including the U.K. and Australia, also banned the red dye.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for health secretary, has been critical of food dyes in the past, claiming they cause cancer. It’s uncertain whether he plans to do anything about the dyes should he be confirmed.
