- READ MORE: United States Prohibits Food Coloring Red No. 3 Linked to Cancer
The researcher who conducted the study prohibiting a cancer-associated substance in American cuisine has shared insights into how their findings contributed to this shift.
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 were at a notably greater risk for thyroid polyps—abnormal cellular proliferations. 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 the risks have been exaggerated.
Actually, he mentioned that he saw no issue with his children or grandchildren ingesting 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 should alter their product formulations. Otherwise, he threatened to prohibit these additives entirely.
A multitude of items available in U.S. stores, including breakfast cereals, sweets, drinks, and frosting, incorporate synthetic food dyes into their ingredients.
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 had no 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 up 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 may lead to cancer, though it’s unclear which research studies support this assertion.
Dr. Borzelleca has authored numerous research articles on the toxicological aspects of food additives, pesticides, and pollutants found in water.
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 gains 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 an excessive growth in cell count, as well as adenomas, benign growths that are not cancerous.
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 dye may lead to increased activity levels in kids.
Dr. Borzelleca’s research was supported by the industry and appeared in the scientific journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology." In 1990, this study was referenced by the FDA when they decided to prohibit the additive from cosmetics.
Red Dye No. 3 was authorized for usage in the United States back in 1907, and it has since been included in numerous items to impart a deep cherry-red hue.
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