Food, Drinks & Beverage

The UAE has ramped up its food safety initiatives by "actively monitoring" products with synthetic food dyes after the United States banned Red No. 3, a widely used cherry-red additive.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the ban on Wednesday, citing evidence of carcinogenicity in laboratory rats. The dye, previously banned in cosmetics over 30 years ago, remains present in nearly 3,000 food items in the US, including candies, cakes, and snacks.

Key Highlights

• Stricter Monitoring: UAE authorities inspect imported food products at entry points to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Comprehensive Testing: Regular sampling and testing of food products, especially those with additives, are conducted to protect consumer health.
• Updated Regulations: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is revising technical specifications for additives and colourants based on scientific data.
• Permissible Limits: UAE regulators enforce strict limits on colourant additives, aligning with international standards to minimise health risks.
• Health Concerns: Research has linked synthetic food dyes to potential health issues, including ADHD and carcinogenicity, affecting brain function and structure.

Global Developments

The FDA has provided a two-year deadline for food companies and three years for pharmaceutical firms to reformulate their products. This move is part of efforts to reduce cancer risks and address neurobehavioral effects in children linked to synthetic dyes.

The UAE's proactive stance underscores its commitment to maintaining high food safety standards and protecting consumer health amid evolving global regulations.

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