‘Red 3’ banned: Health experts hope for more focus on what people put into their bodies

A day after the Food and Drug Administration announced it's banning a food coloring called "Red 3," health experts hope this will cause more people to focus more on what they're putting into their bodies.

The FDA's ban of Red 3 comes nearly 35 years after it was barred from cosmetics because of a potential cancer risk. Officials granted a 2022 petition filed by two dozen food safety and health advocates, who urged the agency to revoke authorization for the substance that gives some candies, snacks and medicines a bright red coloring.

What's next:

"Europe has kind of led the way in banning more and more artificial dyes," said Dr. Lauri Wright, the University of South Florida's College of Public Health's nutrition programs director, adding she expects the FDA to look into banning other potentially harmful dyes and additives.

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Wright also hopes the national spotlight on health will force some consumers to look closer at food labels and consider limiting items that can be even more harmful.

Big picture view:

According to experts, several studies have found highly-processed foods, particularly meats, like hot dogs, sausages and cold cuts, can contribute to cancer, dementia and even a shorter lifespan.

"It's the ultra-processing that is increasing the health risk, and it's really a call for us as consumers to get back to a simpler diet," said Wright. "It really is taking a step back to our roots and enjoying the simpler foods, the whole foods that we're preparing at home rather than these easy, highly-processed, grab-and-go foods."

What you can do:

Experts recommend shopping healthier by sticking to the perimeter of grocery stores.

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"That's where you find the fresh fruits and vegetables. You have the fresh proteins, the fresh dairy," Wright said.

"It's the fresh fruits and vegetables, the meat department, dairy cheese," added Dr. Amber Stephens, a family physician with Optum Main Street. "Don't just focus in on the calories and the proteins in the fats and the carbs but dropping below where it says ingredients and look through those ingredients and are they things that are naturally derived? Are they things that you can pronounce?"

More to Come:

Food manufacturers will have until 2027 to remove Red 3 from their products. Scientists, meanwhile, have not determined if the dye causes cancer when consumed by humans.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered by Aaron Mesmer, who pulled from previous details from the FDA as well as interviews with experts. 

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