Life Kit Podcast Summary: The Science Behind the FDA Ban on Food Dye Red No. 3

Episode Title: The Science Behind the FDA Ban on Food Dye Red No. 3
Host/Author: NPR
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Description: This episode delves into the recent FDA ban on the synthetic food dye Red No. 3, exploring its historical usage, associated health risks, and the broader implications for consumers and the food industry.

Introduction to Red No. 3 and the FDA Ban

Host Marielle Segarra opens the episode by highlighting the prevalence of synthetic food dyes in everyday products, particularly the bright cherry red hue often seen in desserts, candies, and medications. She introduces Red No. 3 as a specific dye now banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to its cancer-causing effects observed in laboratory rats.

"One of those dyes, red dye number three, has been found to cause cancer in rats, and the Food and Drug Administration is now banning it in food and ingested drugs."
— Marielle Segarra [00:17]

Understanding the FDA's Decision

Short Wave co-host Emily Kwong transitions the discussion to NPR's Science Desk correspondent, Maria Godoy, who provides an in-depth analysis of the FDA's decision to revoke authorization for Red No. 3.

Background and Historical Usage

Maria explains that Red No. 3 has been in use for nearly a century, present in over 3,000 products ranging from candies to sodas. She emphasizes that despite its widespread use, concerns about its safety have persisted for decades.

"It's a petroleum-based dye that's in everything from candy to all sorts of snack foods and sodas, too, because it gives products this very bright cherry red color."
— Maria Godoy [01:28]

The Delaney Clause and Regulatory Framework

Maria introduces the Delaney Clause, a provision from a 1958 law that prohibits the authorization of any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals.

"The Delaney Clause... says specifically no food additive can be authorized if it's been found to cause cancer."
— Maria Godoy [01:57]

The Petition and FDA's Review Process

Emily queries Maria about the petition filed in 2002, which reignited the scrutiny of Red No. 3 under the Delaney Clause. Maria outlines how the petition included studies demonstrating cancer in male lab rats exposed to high levels of the dye, prompting the FDA to re-evaluate its safety.

"This petition requested the FDA look into whether the Delaney Clause applied to red dye number three... two studies showed male lab rats exposed to very high levels of the food coloring developed cancer."
— Maria Godoy [04:39]

Expert Opinions and Advocacy

Dr. Peter Lurie, Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, expresses his frustration over the prolonged period it took for the FDA to act, despite clear evidence linking Red No. 3 to cancer.

"Any additive that causes cancer in humans or animals is not supposed to be in the food supply. But somehow FDA has tolerated this even after admitting that it caused cancer over three decades ago."
— Dr. Peter Lurie [06:35]

Maria also references Dr. Mark Miller, who discusses the broader implications of synthetic food dyes on children's behavior.

"I think the evidence is compelling from those human studies that children's consumption of synthetic food dyes can contribute to increases in symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity in some children."
— Dr. Mark Miller [07:36]

Impact on the Food Industry and Consumers

Prevalence of Red No. 3

Maria highlights the extensive use of Red No. 3 in thousands of products, noting that consumer groups are also concerned about eight other synthetic dyes associated with behavioral issues in children.

"There’s a list of more than 3,000 packaged foods and drinks that contain Red 3... artificial food coloring consumption and these symptoms in children."
— Maria Godoy [07:34]

Health Disparities and Socioeconomic Factors

The discussion touches on how synthetic dyes are more prevalent in cheaper, ultra-processed foods, disproportionately affecting low-income communities that rely on these affordable options.

"Research suggests that low income communities are exposed to a lot more synthetic food dyes... ultra processed foods that are designed to be shelf stable."
— Maria Godoy [09:13]

Regulatory Changes and Industry Response

Timeline for Ban Implementation

Maria informs listeners that food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove Red No. 3 from their products. However, anticipatory reformulations may expedite this process.

"Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to eliminate red dye number three from their products."
— Maria Godoy [09:40]

Alternatives to Synthetic Dyes

The episode explores alternatives that manufacturers might adopt, such as switching to other synthetic dyes like Red No. 40 or opting for natural colorings derived from fruits and vegetables.

"Natural food colorings from compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Turmeric and beetroot are some common options."
— Maria Godoy [10:13]

Maria cites Kraft Foods' previous transition from synthetic dyes to natural alternatives in its Mac and Cheese products as an example.

"When Kraft Foods decided to take synthetic food dyes out of its Mac and cheese products about a decade ago, it replaced them with colors from spices like paprika and turmeric."
— Maria Godoy [11:07]

Advice for Parents and Consumers

Maria offers practical advice for parents navigating the transition away from synthetic dyes:

1. Prioritize Whole Foods: Emphasize a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
2. Check Labels: Synthetic food dyes must be listed on ingredient labels by law, enabling informed choices.
3. Limit Ultra-Processed Foods: Reduce consumption of products high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats.

"Just focus on keeping their overall pattern of eating healthy. The occasional bright orange cheesy puff isn't gonna kill 'em, although it might stain their teeth for a while."
— Maria Godoy [11:26]

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reinforcing the importance of awareness and informed dietary choices in mitigating the potential health risks associated with synthetic food dyes. Maria Godoy and Emily Kwong underscore the significance of policy changes and consumer advocacy in driving industry reform.

Notable Quotes:

• "It feels great to see this finally take place. But the law is absolutely clear. Any additive that causes cancer in humans or animals is not supposed to be in the food supply."
  — Dr. Peter Lurie [06:52]

• "I think the evidence is compelling from those human studies that children's consumption of synthetic food dyes can contribute to increases in symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity in some children."
  — Dr. Mark Miller [07:36]

This comprehensive examination by NPR's Life Kit provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the FDA's ban on Red No. 3, contextualizing it within historical regulatory frameworks, scientific research, and its broader societal impacts. Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's diet or a consumer interested in food safety, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.