Most likely, many people in Elkhart have seen the recent news: The banning of Red Dye 3 in America.
Red Dye 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a red-pink dye used for food coloring, hair coloring, pet products, and cosmetics. Not to be confused with Red Dye 40. According to Jaclyn Bowen, the executive director of Clean Label Project, “Red Dye No. 3 is an iodine-based compound, which is believed to contribute to its effects on thyroid function. This iodine content makes it chemically distinct from other widely used synthetic dyes, such as Red 40.”
There are many notable snacks that contain Red Dye 3, with some of the most notable being candy corn, Betty Crocker Red Decorating Icing, TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk, as well as certain other sweet treats.
But what does this mean? According to Mr. Darryl Franklin, a sciences teacher at Elkhart High School, “Red dye has been proven to cause thyroid problems and has been linked to other childhood illnesses as well. I believe it should be banned as there are other alternatives for food additives that don’t afford the same risks. I am in support of the banning, and I believe that there are many other processed chemicals that need to receive the same kind of treatment. This is not the first time that a certain chemical was banned in the U.S., and it definitely will not be the last. “
THe Delaney clause has been used to help protect the health of Americans since its founding in 1958. According to the FDA, “The Delaney Clause, enacted in 1960 as part of the Color Additives Amendment to the FD&C Act, prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.”
Red Dye 3 has been seen to cause cancer in male rats in multiple scientific studies. All rood and ingested drug companies will have until 2028 to completely remove Red Dye 3 from their formulas. In order to best protect oneself, it is vital to understand the contents of what one consumes during daily life. The banning of Red Dye 3 is a much needed step in the long road in creating a safer and cleaner space for everyone, in creating upholding regulations for food and ingested drugs.
