SeaStock
19/12/2024
Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) could soon face a nationwide ban in the United States, following decades of mounting concerns about its safety and health concerns. Despite being removed from cosmetics in 1990, this artificial dye remains common in food, beverages and pharmaceuticals, including popular products like chewing gum and fruit juices.
This controversial additive has been prohibited in cosmetics since 1990. Yet, it continues to appear in over 2,800 consumable products.
Where Red Dye No. 3 is Found:
- Candies: Dubble Bubble chewing gum, Pez, Ring Pops, and Brach’s Candy Corn
- Beverages: Nestlé Strawberry Milk, fruit juices
- Snack Foods: Fruit by the Foot
- Baked Goods: Hostess Ding Dongs
- Medications: Vyvanse, Tylenol PM, gabapentin, and doxycycline
Legislative Momentum and Public Concern
The push to eliminate artificial food dyes like Red Dye No. 3 is gaining traction. Legislative efforts across 10 US states are aiming to curb the use of harmful additives, reflecting growing public concern about the long-term impact on health. But the pace of change is slow—and waiting decades for red tape to clear isn’t good enough when health is at stake.
“I think the evidence is compelling from those human studies that children’s consumption of synthetic food dyes can contribute to increases in symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity in some children,” Mark Miller, a Scientist with California’s EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment told NPR in 2023.
“Red 3, like every other food dye, only serves as a marketing tool for the food industry,” Thomas Galligan, Principal Scientist for food additives and supplements at CSPI.
“It’s been banned from skin products since the 1990s so I wonder why it is not allowed in skin products? You know something you can’t put on your face – yet a kid can eat it”, Dr Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU.
SeaStock: Pioneering a Healthier Future
At SeaStock, we’re not content to wait. That’s why we’ve developed a natural R-PE red pigment derived from Asparagopsis Seaweed. This sustainable, safe alternative can replace artificial dyes in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products, offering peace of mind for consumers and a healthier choice for our planet.
Our commitment goes beyond just replacing harmful additives. We believe in creating solutions that align with a more sustainable and responsible food system—one that prioritises both human health and environmental stewardship.
The Future of Food: Natural, Safe, and Sustainable
The food we share with loved ones shouldn’t come with risks or uncertainties. By choosing natural alternatives, we can reduce potential harm and take a significant step toward a healthier future for all. Together, we can demand better, choose better, and build a food system that works for people and the planet.
