By: Emma Kwan
Since the mid-19th century, the saying, ‘cherry on top’, has been used to describe the extra bonus one can receive in addition to the wonderful bowl of ice cream many would be excited to dive into. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the synthetic dye used in these cherries serves as a health hazard to society.
The dye called FD&C Red No. 3, has been a controversy among the public for the past three years. Since the color additive petition in 2022, scientists have been trying to confirm whether this dye is actually safe for consumption. During this time, the dye had already been banned from drugs and cosmetic products such as lipstick and blush, but Red 3 is also used in a variety of Halloween candies, cakes, and other foods. Three years ago, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and 23 other organizations and prominent scientists, had “urged the Food and Drug Administration to formally remove Red 3 from the list of approved color additives in foods, dietary supplements, and oral medicines” (Center for Science in the Public Interest).
In fact, the FDA had already proven during the 1980s that Red 3 is a carcinogen, or in other words, a substance that causes cancer in living tissue, but The National Toxicology Program only applied the ban to externally applied drugs and cosmetics. The result was that around 2,876 brand-name food products maintained the inclusion of this synthetic dye in their goods, which include Dubble Bubble chewing gum and Entenmann’s Little Bites. In the end, a petition was held to ban this dye, for according to experts, if a substance can cause cancer in animals, it can be assumed to also cause cancer in humans.
Finally, on January 15th, 2025, the FDA addressed the 2022 petition that requested they address the two studies on two laboratory male rats that revealed they inherited cancer after being exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3. However, this dye will not be eliminated immediately. Due to the nature of the experiment showing the cancer was a result of a rat specific hormonal mechanism, scientists have stated that this dye will not necessarily cause cancer in humans too. Typically, humans are exposed to much lower levels of Red 3 than the male rats in the experiment, hence why the threat was never seen as much of a big deal. Granted, according to the Delaney Clause—the food law that states any food or color additive that causes cancer in people or animals is prohibited—the FDA has agreed that FD&C Red No. 3 can no longer be used in food products.
Therefore, in the span of two years, companies who utilize this dye will have to find a new recipe by this deadline, and all foods imported into the U.S. must comply with this new ban. By January 15th, 2027, Americans will have to say goodbye to the dye that gives food and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. However, by then, Americans may also be able to enjoy a new cherry with their ice cream, that’s both safe to eat and safe for them to ask for the additional “cherry on top”.
Sources:
Center for Science in the Public Interest: https://www.cspinet.org/press-release/red-3-fda-petition
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