Our lives are becoming busier, leading many of us to rely on over-the-counter snacks and drinks to keep our energy up while juggling work demands. A study found that children in low income and minority populations are at a higher risk of poor dietary quality—but can you blame them?
On January 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the ban on the use of Red Number 3 dye in food, drinks, and ingested medications. The decision is the hallmark of a petition filed nearly three years ago in accordance with the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
The Delaney Clause, developed in 1960, prohibits the use of additives and food colorings that may be carcinogenic (likely to cause cancer) to humans or animals. The petition became necessary after a recent study found that male lab rats developed cancer when exposed to high levels of Red Number 3, also called Erythrosine.
Although the FDA confirmed that the cancer in male rats after the exposure was due to a “specific hormonal mechanism” not found in humans, the agency opted for a precautionary ban. Red Number 3 is already banned in New Zealand and other European countries. Manufacturers have until January 2027 to phase it out from food and drinks or face business closure.
This serves as a wake-up call for people in our community to be more mindful of what we consume, knowing it may contribute to cancer. Elevate Black Health has compiled a list of specific products from 10 food categories that currently contain Red No. 3. If you consume any of these products, consider getting an alternative.
1. Fruits Juices
Grabbing a can or pack of fruit juice is always a soothing way to quench your taste between a busy schedule. However, the new FDA ban on Red No. 3 means you must pay closer attention to the content of any fruit juice before gulping it down. Some products that currently contain the banned dye include:
- Ahold Mixed Fruit with Cherries Juice (48 oz)
- Best Choice Chunky Mixed Fruit in 100% Juice (15 oz)
- Goya Guava Nectar (5 fl oz, 33.8 fl oz)
- Neostar Fruit Cocktail in Light Syrup (15 oz)
- Publix Chunky Mixed Fruit in Juice from Concentrate (15 oz)
2. Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love an ice cream on a hot summer afternoon? It is soothing, refreshing, and can even be a love language. But, if you consumer any of these products, you need to start thinking of an alternative:
- Cass Clay Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream (one pint)
- Friendly’s Strawberry Cake Krunch Ice Cream Bars (2.75 fl oz)
- Magnolia Taro Premium Tropical Ice Cream (1.5 qt)
- Mitchell’s homemade Birthday Cake Ice Cream (473 mL)
- Wilcoxson’s Strawberry Ice Cream (0.5 gallon)
3. Meat Products
Unless you are a vegetarian, meat products have become a staple in most homes and a good source of animal protein. If that describes you, pay closer attention to these products:
- Brooshire Pepperoni Mini Meat Sticks (12 oz) and others
- Palenque Provisions Corp Salvadorian Style Sausage (14 oz)
- Prasek’s Family Smokehouse Smoked Beef Sausage (14 oz) and other products from the manufacturer
- Royal Meat Asian Style BBQ Pork (18 oz)
- Woodville Farms Canadian Style Bacon (12 oz)
4. Rice and Grains
It is hard to go a week without eating rice or grains in most homes. However, you should watch out for these products:
- Shoprite Trading Company Spanish Style Saffron Rice (8 oz)
- Vigo Mexican Rice with Corn (8 oz) and other products
5. Candied Nuts
Nuts have proven health benefits, especially for those fighting with obesity and weight loss. However, these products can potentially cause cancer because of their link with Red No. 3:
- Nature’s Eats Simple Sweets Jordan Almonds (12 oz)
- Rouses markets Burnt Peanuts (8 oz)
6. Gummy Candy
They can make a good companion during a lonely busy day. But, make sure you look at the label the next time you want to pick one:
- Trolli Sour Brite Tropical Llamas Gummi Candy (3 oz)
- Wiley Wallaby Watermelon Flavored Soft & Chewy Licorice (4 oz)
7. Candy
If you have sweet tooth, it is possible that unwrapping candies has become part of your daily routine. Just be sure the one that goes into your mouth going forward is without Red No. 3:
- Galerie Bluey Heart Candy and other products from the manufacturer
- Flix Candy Blue Raspberry & Strawberry Flavored Candy (1.26 oz) and others
- Food Club Cherry & Vanilla Flavored Valentine Hearts (16 oz) and other
- Forever Sweet Candy (82 g) and others
- Frankford Disney Egg Hunt with Candy (2.47 oz) and others
8. Cakes
The sight of cake often goes hand-in-hand with birthday celebrations or anniversaries. To avoid celebrations turning sour, avoid cakes with Red No. 3 for now:
- First Street Vanilla Cupcake, Vanilla (26.2 oz)
- Café Valley Bakery Celebration Birthday Cake (26 oz) and others
- Funfetti Celebration Cake (50 oz) and others
- Freshness Guaranteed White Cake with Buttercream (55 oz) and others
- Friendly’s Celebration Premium Ice Cream Cake (100 fl oz) and others
9. Cake and Dessert Toppings
Toppings brings out the beauty of cakes and desserts, almost makes them a work of art. Just make sure they do not contain Red No. 3:
- Cake Mate icing: Pink (8.4 oz)
- Captain America (2 oz, 4 count)
- Hulk (2 oz, 4 count)
- Red (4.25 oz)
- Spiderman (2 oz, 4 count)
10. Lollipops
Are you used to giving your children lollipops to keep them busy? You may be putting your health at risk by selecting these items that contain the now banned dye:
- Galerie Bluey Strawberry lollipops (1.69 oz) and others
- Amos Green Apple and Fruit Jelly Swirlpop (1.59 oz)
- Ring Pop Strawberry Flavored Pops (7.7 oz)
- Disney Orange & Grape Blue Raspberry Lollipop Rings (240 g)
Many people are worried that manufacturers may turn to Red 40. Although not banned, it has been linked to behavioral issues like hyperactivity. If you are concerned about your exposure to products containing Red No. 3, consider scheduling a cancer screening with your physician. Also, regular screening (at least once a year) remains the best way to safeguard your health because early detection of cancer gives you a good fighting chance.
For more reading
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012705