Why Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine, E127) Has Been Banned
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What is Red Dye No. 3?
Red Dye No. 3, also known by its chemical name Erythrosine or E127, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It belongs to the xanthene dye family, which produces a bright cherry-red colour commonly used to enhance the visual appeal of food, drinks, and cosmetics.
Its vivid hue and stability under light have made it a go-to additive in various products for decades. However, its safety has long been the subject of scrutiny, sparking debate among health professionals and regulatory bodies.
This week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement confirming that this long debated ingredient had been banned. Let us explain why this might have happened.
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Where do you find Red Dye No.3?
Red Dye No. 3 has been widely used in a range of consumer goods to enhance their visual appeal. Some common applications include:
Food : Candies, baked goods, maraschino cherries, glacé fruits, and certain processed snacks often contain E127 to achieve their vibrant red colour.
Beverages : Soft drinks, flavoured syrups, and powdered drink mixes are frequently dyed with Red Dye No. 3 to make them more visually enticing.
Medicines : Liquid medications and chewable tablets often use synthetic dyes like E127 for colour-coding and branding purposes.
Cosmetics : Products such as lipsticks, blushes, and nail polishes have traditionally relied on Red Dye No. 3 for its long-lasting and vivid pigment.
Other Products : E127 can also be found in pet foods and decorative items like cake icings, where aesthetics play a significant role
Why has Red Dye No.3 been banned?
The move to ban Red Dye No. 3 is largely driven by mounting evidence of its potential health risks. Research over the years has raised significant concerns about its safety, particularly in relation to its carcinogenic potential and its impact on children’s behaviour. Below are the primary reasons for its prohibition:
1. Carcinogenic Potential
The most significant concern regarding Red Dye No. 3 is its potential link to cancer. Studies conducted as early as the 1980s found that high doses of E127 caused thyroid tumours in laboratory rats. For instance, research published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology highlighted that chronic exposure to high levels of Erythrosine significantly increased the incidence of tumours in rodent thyroid glands. While these studies involved doses much higher than typical human consumption, they prompted questions about the cumulative effect of long-term exposure to lower levels of the dye.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action in 1990, banning the use of Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics and externally applied products due to its carcinogenic potential. However, it controversially remains approved for use in foods and medicines, which has drawn criticism from consumer advocacy groups.
2. Behavioural Issues in Children
Another critical concern is the dye’s potential impact on children’s behaviour. Synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye No. 3, have been implicated in behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, attention deficits, and increased impulsivity. A landmark study published in The Lancet in 2007 found that certain food additives, including artificial colourings, exacerbated symptoms of hyperactivity in children.
Children are particularly vulnerable to these effects due to their smaller body size and developing brains. For parents, the link between synthetic dyes and behavioural changes is a compelling reason to avoid products containing E127. Some countries have already mandated warning labels on products with synthetic dyes, acknowledging their potential behavioural impact.
3. Regulatory Concerns
Despite evidence of its risks, regulatory responses to Red Dye No. 3 have been inconsistent around the world. While the FDA’s partial ban was a step in the right direction, its continued approval for food and medicine has left a gap in consumer protection. European regulatory bodies, on the other hand, have taken a stricter stance. The European Union (EU) has banned Erythrosine in most food products, permitting its use only in glacé cherries and specific candied fruits under strict conditions.
The potential health risks associated with Red Dye No. 3 have far-reaching implications. For individuals, avoiding synthetic dyes is not just about reducing exposure to potential carcinogens but also about addressing cumulative health effects over time.
Impact on Children’s Wellbeing
The link between synthetic dyes and behavioural problems underscores the importance of dietary choices for children. Parents may notice improvements in their child’s focus and behaviour after removing artificial colourings from their diet. Studies have suggested that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are particularly sensitive to such additives.
Cumulative Exposure
Although the levels of Red Dye No. 3 in individual products are typically low, the cumulative effect of consuming multiple dyed products can increase overall exposure. This is particularly concerning for individuals who consume a diet rich in processed foods, where synthetic dyes are ubiquitous.
The Shift Towards Natural Alternatives
The controversy surrounding synthetic dyes like E127 has prompted manufacturers to explore natural alternatives. Colourings derived from sources such as beetroot, paprika, and turmeric are gaining traction as safer options. While natural dyes may be less vibrant or stable than their synthetic counterparts, they align better with consumer demand for clean, honest and transparent labelling.
Is Red Dye No. 3 found in the UK?
In the UK, the use of Red Dye No. 3 is highly restricted. Following EU food safety regulations, which the UK adhered to prior to Brexit, Erythrosine is not commonly used in British food products. Exceptions exist for glacé cherries and specific candied fruits, where its use is tightly regulated. Post-Brexit, the UK has maintained a similar stance, reflecting ongoing concerns about synthetic dyes in food.
However, imported products from countries with less stringent regulations may still contain E127. This highlights the importance of reading labels carefully, particularly for those seeking to minimise their exposure to synthetic additives.
The takeaway
The banning of Red Dye No. 3 represents a broader movement towards cleaner, safer food practices. For parents, reducing exposure to synthetic dyes is an important step in supporting their child’s health and development. For consumers at large, the shift towards natural alternatives reflects growing awareness of the potential risks associated with artificial additives.
While regulatory changes are essential, individuals can take proactive steps by choosing whole, minimally processed foods and scrutinising product labels. As public demand for transparency and safety grows, the food industry will likely continue to phase out synthetic dyes in favour of natural options, paving the way for a healthier future.
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References Used
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. (1983). Thyroid Tumours in Rats Exposed to Erythrosine.
The Lancet. (2007). Food Additives and Hyperactivity in Children: A Randomised, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). (2011). Scientific Opinion on the Re-Evaluation of Erythrosine (E127) as a Food Additive.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
