Health Takes Action Before Announcement of Prohibition of Artificial Food Coloring Red No. 3

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health has responded to the USFDA's ban on Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) due to its link to thyroid cancer in animals. Key points of their response include:

• Current Regulation:
  Despite the FDA ban, Red No. 3 is still permitted for use in Costa Rica and Central America under RTCA 67.04.54:18.
• Review Meeting:
  The Ministry is organizing an extraordinary meeting of the Central American Commission on food additives to review the continued use of Red No. 3 in the region.
• Product Testing:
  Testing will be conducted at Incense to ensure that products containing Red No. 3 comply with the permitted levels outlined by regulations.
• Medications:
  The Ministry will also communicate actions related to medications containing Red No. 3, as they are regulated by other technical regulations.

This response indicates that while Costa Rica has not followed the FDA's lead in banning Red No. 3, it is taking steps to review and ensure the safe use of the dye within the country and the broader Central American region.

Source: https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/prensa/62-noticias-2025/2045-salud-toma-acciones-ante-anuncio-de-prohibicion-del-colorante-alimentario-artificial-rojo-n-3

Region: Costa Rica