What you should know about Red 3, now banned from nation’s food supply
The colorant was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications decades ago because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats. But it kept appearing on the ingredient lists of popular snack foods and other grocery products because it remained approved for use until now.
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The Food and Drug Administration is ordering food and drug makers to remove a dye called Red 3 from the products U.S. consumers eat and drink.
The colorant was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications decades ago because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats. But it kept appearing on the ingredient lists of popular snack foods and other grocery products because it remained approved for use until now.
Consumer advocates monitor manufacturers that still include the additive, and companies often switch to less notorious alternatives. Shoppers should always check food labels to see if an item they want to buy includes Red 3, which is also known as erythrosine and FD&C Red No. 3.
MORE: FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods
This week, the FDA announced it wants to add another label in the front of the food product.
The label will warn the consumer whether the product contains added sugars, saturated fats or low to high levels of sodium.
After approval, officials say the labels won't take effect for another three years.
AP Wire Services contributed to this report.
