01/16/2025
**FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3—Is It Legal in Canada?**
As a nutritionist, I always stress the importance of being informed about what goes into our food. The recent FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3, due to its links to cancer in animal studies, marks a significant move for food safety. While this dye has been banned in cosmetics for decades, it remains present in food products like candies and baked goods in the U.S.
In Canada, however, Red Dye No. 3 is still permitted. Health Canada's guidelines allow its use in food, and no changes have been made to its status yet. This raises questions about the long-term safety of artificial dyes and why we need to stay vigilant about what's in our food.
Beyond cancer risks, some studies suggest artificial dyes like Red No. 3 may also contribute to behavioral changes, such as hyperactivity in children, and sensitivities like headaches or digestive issues. Although research is ongoing, it’s essential to consider how these additives may impact overall health, especially for sensitive individuals.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Wednesday that it’s banning the use of red dye No. 3 in food and oral medicine due to the potential risk of causing cancer. Here's what Health Canada has to say about the synthetic additive.