The US Meals and Drug Administration is banning the usage of Purple Dye No. 3 in meals, drinks, and medicine, the agency announced Wednesday. The dye, which the FDA says provides sure candies, muffins, and frostings a “brilliant, cherry-red coloration,” was discovered to trigger most cancers in male rats.
Beneath the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the FDA should ban meals that induce most cancers in people or animals. Nonetheless, the FDA notes that research involving different animals and people “didn’t present these results,” including that claims stating Purple Dye No. 3 in people “aren’t supported by the obtainable scientific data.”
The FDA’s resolution to ban Purple Dye No. 3 comes simply days earlier than President-elect Donald Trump will likely be sworn into workplace. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for secretary of the Division of Well being and Human Service, has considered taking action against food dyes and different doubtlessly dangerous components.
