In a landmark decision this month, California became the first state to follow in the footsteps of the European Union and ban the usage of Red Dye No. 3, as well as several other chemical additives, in food and beverage products. The dye — which is present in hundreds of candies, as well as snack foods like Hostess’ Ding Dongs, Peeps and even PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids’ Ready-to-Drink strawberry shake — has been banned from cosmetic use since 1990.
Yet despite studies linking its consumption to cancer, as well as increased hyperactivity in children, California’s ban is controversial because it means that the state is essentially an island in terms of how the usage of Red Dye No. 3 is regulated. This is prompting public health advocates and some science work groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), to call on the Food and Drug Administration to reassess whether Red Dye No. 3 is actually truly safe for regular consumption.
