Red Dye and Risks to Your Health

Did you know that California is looking to ban the chemicals red dye no. 3 and several other chemicals used in popular candies like nerds, skittles, gummy bears.

Red dye is a food coloring used to give a bright, cherry-red color to thousands of food products now on shelves, including candies, baked goods, snacks, cereals, and sodas. 

However, not all red dyes are created equal, and there are several different types of red dye used in different industries.

In this blog article, we\’ll explore the different types of red dye, their uses, and potential health concerns.

There are two main types of red dye: natural and synthetic. Natural red dye is derived from plant or animal sources, while synthetic red dye is made in a laboratory.

Natural Red Dye

Natural red dye is made from plants, fruits, and vegetables, and has been used for centuries to color textiles and food. Some common sources of natural red dye include beets, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranates. While natural red dye is generally considered safe, it can be expensive and less stable than synthetic dyes, which is why it\’s often used in high-end products.

Synthetic Red Dye

Synthetic red dye is made in a laboratory using chemicals, and it\’s much cheaper and more stable than natural dyes.  Some common types of synthetic red dye include:

1. Red 40: This is the most commonly used red dye in food and cosmetics, and it\’s made from petroleum. While it\’s considered safe by the FDA, some studies have linked it to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions.

2. Red 2G: This red dye is used in textiles and cosmetics, and it\’s been linked to cancer in animal studies. It\’s banned in several countries, including the EU and Canada.

3. Red 3: This is used in in candy and maraschino cherries

Synthetic red dye is cheaper and more stable than natural dyes, but it\’s been linked to potential health concerns, including hyperactivity in children and cancer in animal studies.

Consumers should be aware of the potential health risks associated with red dye and choose products that use natural dyes when possible.

The easiest way to avoid food color additives is to eat whole, unprocessed foods.

Source:https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-additives/red-dye-3-banned-in-cosmetics-but-still-allowed-in-food-a3467381365/