I Discovered That Red Dye No. 3 Is Harmful to Your Kids: A Scientist's Warning

• READ MORE: U.S. Prohibits Cancer-Linked Food Coloring Red No. 3

The researcher who conducted the study banning a cancer-linked substance from American foods has shared insights into how his findings prompted this alteration.

Dr. Joseph Borzelleza, aged 94, investigated the impact of Red Dye No. 3 in 1987 by examining its effects on male rats.

The research indicated that male rats ingesting large amounts of Red Dye No. 3 exhibited a notably increased likelihood of thyroid polyp development, which refers to unusual cellular proliferation. However, it didn’t establish that the dye was responsible for this effect. cancer .

It was the sole document referenced by them. FDA in its order prohibiting Red Dye No. 3 From usage in food products, however, as the regulation is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.

Surprisingly, Dr. Borzelleca believes that the risks have been exaggerated.

Actually, he mentioned that he saw no issue with his children or grandchildren eating the dye present in numerous sugary snacks across the United States.

The retired professor specializing in toxicology and pharmacology at Virginia Commonwealth University stated: "Had I detected an issue, I would have addressed it in my document."

I see no issue with my family—my children and grandchildren—consuming Red 3. I support the findings of my research, which indicate that this does not pose a concern for people.

As newly appointed HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. openly declares his intention to eliminate artificial dyes from consumer goods, he informed food company leaders on March 10th that they must alter their product formulations. If not, he threatened to prohibit these additives entirely.

A multitude of items available in the American market, including breakfast cereals, sweets, drinks, and frosting for cakes, incorporate synthetic food dyes.

The colorings aren't essential for the food products, but they provide a vibrant hue that enhances their appeal to customers.

Speaking to KFF Health News However, Dr. Borzelleca — who has authored numerous studies on the toxicity of food coloring agents — stated that he did not have concerns regarding Red Dye No. 3.

"I'm astonished that after all this time has passed and it was deemed safe for humans, it’s now being removed from the market because of worries that aren’t backed by the evidence," he stated.

'The study we conducted did not determine this substance to be carcinogenic.'

The FDA states in its rule banning the additive that it might lead to cancer, though it’s unclear which research it references to support this assertion.

Dr. Borzelleca has authored numerous research articles on the toxicity of food additives, pesticides, and water pollutants.

He previously served as the president of the Society of Toxicology and provided consultation to both the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization.

In his 1987 study, Dr. Borzelleca and two fellow scientists gave doses of Red Dye No. 3 to 120 rats.

The rodents were fed food containing the dye for as long as 30 months before being inspected for any bodily alterations.

The findings indicated that male rats receiving the highest dosage experienced notable increases in thyroid weight when contrasted with those not exposed to the dye.

It was also discovered that they faced a greater likelihood of experiencing hyperplasia, which is characterized by an excessive growth in cell count, as well as adenomas, which are benign tumors.

numerous specialists worry that the dye could potentially have a comparable impact on humans.

Several nations such as those within the European Union and the United Kingdom have similarly prohibited Red Dye No. 3, often referencing research indicating that this additive might lead to increased hyperactivity among kids.

Dr. Borzelleca’s research was supported by the industry and appeared in the scientific publication Food and Chemical Toxicology. In 1990, this study was referenced by the FDA when they decided to prohibit the use of the additive in cosmetics.

Red Dye No. 3 was authorized for usage in the United States in 1907, and it has since been integrated into myriad items to impart a vibrant cherry-red hue.