As shoppers stock up for Halloween, they may come into contact with unsuspecting food products containing synthetic dye Red Dye 3, known for the carcinogenic properties it possesses. This dye is outlawed within Europe and cosmetic products within the United States, but its application still exists amongst some of the widely consumed treats this forthcoming Halloween season. In keeping with what is out there in Popular Reports, Brach’s Candy Corn, Nerds Candy Corn, Pez Candy, and similar candies use a poisonous ingredient Red Dye 3.
When fed to rats, Red Dye 3 was found to cause cancers, which raises the issue of its being included in food products intended for human consumption. The FDA contends that the dye is dangerous for animals but does not believe the same dangers apply to human populations. Nevertheless, this has not satisfied public health reformers, particularly those advocating for more stringent controls on chemical ingredients in processed food. A new law in California will outlaw Red Dye 3 by the year 2027, which highlights the ongoing trend of food safety laws getting tighter.
Also called Red No. 3, the dye imparts a bright red color to food and drink products. Cosmetics in which it was used for color enhancement were also prohibited to use this dye in supplements in 1990 because there were studies showing the carcinogenic potential in humans. Although Red Dye 3 is still found in many edible products in the USA. For example, the Environmental Working Group database contains more than three thousand items containing this dye, most of which are candy or other ready-to-eat meals.
Ferrara, the owner of Brach’s, claims it has been working to phase out Red Dye 3 since early 2023, with plans to eliminate it from its products entirely by the end of 2026. Currently, more than half of its candy line does not use this dye. In a statement, Ferrara emphasized its compliance with FDA regulations and reassured consumers that its products are safe.
Nonetheless, consumer advocacy groups are urging the FDA to evaluate the safety of Red Dye 3 in foods, dietary supplements, and drugs. They believe that the majority of manufacturers, owing to this paradigmatic shift in consumer preferences, should stop using unhealthy additives. “Some companies have already committed to no longer using Red Dye 3 in their food products,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports. “Not every company can be relied on to do the same without regulatory provisions.”
As the excitement of Halloween is approaching and the kids will be coming bagged with lots of toys and candies, parents as well as guardians in attendance should be cognizant of the contents in the snacks that the children are likely to carry home. This set of treats, specifically the chocolate covered ones, is associated with this selective carcinogen, mostly intensifying the chances advocating for cleaner food. In addition it is concerned with wider aspects relating to food hygiene and the control of certain substances.
Read more: The ingredients suspected of carrying E. coli bacteria in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders
There are different views on the issue of Red dye poisoning as people still argue whether it isn’t safe to consume small amounts of this food pigment coloring or not. The other hand of the word however presents its classification with respect to benign cancers, something that is rather unfortunate. These discussions concerning such components can prove beneficial to the consumers during the season of Halloween as well as after it. Details on this issue can be found inside originals of the texts from Consumer Reports, as well as other sources that concern those resources.
