Red Dye No. 3, which carries cancer risk, banned in the US but easily sold in Turkey

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of the food coloring Red Dye No. 3 (E 127/Erythrosine) in food, supplements, and drugs, as it has been proven to cause cancer in animals. This ban gives manufacturers until January 2027 for food products and January 2028 for drugs to comply.

WHAT IS RED DYE NO. 3?

Erythrosine is a synthetic food dye produced from petroleum that gives a bright cherry-red color. In Turkey, this substance is known as E 127 and is generally used in:

Cocktail cherries,

Cherry-flavored candies,

Frozen desserts,

Cakes, pastries, and cupcakes.

It can also be found in some oral medications.

HEALTH RISKS

FDA research has shown that erythrosine causes cancer in male laboratory mice. There are also concerns that it may cause hyperactivity in children. For these reasons, the substance has been banned or restricted in Japan, Australia, and European Union countries following the US.

THE SITUATION IN TURKEY

In Turkey, food regulations limit the use of erythrosine only to cocktail cherries and cherry-flavored candies. However, it is possible to encounter other products containing erythrosine on the market. Moreover, erythrosine dye can be easily accessed online.

Food safety expert Bülent Şık states that this situation poses a major problem:

"The online sale of all kinds of food additives, especially those that carry health risks, should be prevented. Even if there are limitations in the regulations, the fact that these products can be easily accessed is a serious public health issue."

WARNING TO CONSUMERS

Experts emphasize that the labels of products containing additives such as erythrosine should be read carefully. The FDA's ban aims to steer consumers toward safer alternatives, but individual awareness is of great importance during this process.

Source: FDA, Bianet, assessments by Bülent Şık.