The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) is evaluating the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and medications in Mexico. This evaluation arises after the United States banned the use of this dye in food last week due to it causing cancer in laboratory rats.
In a statement, Cofepris announced that it is aware of the decision by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the revocation of authorization for the use of Red No. 3 FD&C. The Mexican health authority is conducting a risk analysis based on the use of this dye, following Annex III which establishes the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for dyes in food, beverages, and dietary supplements.
According to Article 14 of the additive agreement, the lists of additives can be modified considering evaluations and approvals from multinational organizations such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), Codex Alimentarius, and international regulations from the European Union and the United States.
Regarding medications, Cofepris has instructed its scientific advisory body to analyze the use of Red No. 3 in the additives of the Mexican Pharmacopoeia, specifically in the list of colorants. The Commission assures that it is committed to the health of the population and conducts constant risk analyses in the areas of its competence based on scientific research to update regulatory instruments.
