BVI Cancer Society petitions for ban on Red Dye #3

The BVI Cancer Society has launched a petition urging the government to ban Red Dye #3, a synthetic food colouring linked to health risks, including cancer.

The Society highlighted studies that associate high doses of the dye with thyroid tumours in laboratory animals, raising concerns about its potential to cause cancer in humans.

The petition also cites evidence linking Red Dye #3 to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children, particularly those with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Additionally, it claims the dye interferes with hormonal balance, posing broader risks to overall health.

The petition calls for legislation to prohibit the use, import, and sale of food, beverages, and medications containing Red Dye #3 in the Virgin Islands. It specifically seeks to ban candies, baked goods, beverages, and medications containing the dye, emphasizing its unnecessary risk to public health. The Society also advocates for an awareness campaign to educate citizens about the dye’s dangers and promote healthier alternatives.

“This is a crucial step toward reducing preventable cancer risks and securing children’s health in the Territory,” the Society stated.

The petition, launched on January 20, has garnered just over two dozen supporters so far. It follows a similar move in the United States, where the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned Red Dye #3 after advocacy groups cited studies showing its link to thyroid cancer in rats. US manufacturers have until January 16, 2027, to remove the dye from their products.

Concerns about cancer rates in the BVI add urgency to the petition. According to a National Health Insurance (NHI) report, the territory has recorded an average of 41 new cancer cases and 14 cancer-related deaths annually over the past six years. Between 2016 and 2020, 462 new cancer cases were documented, with 74 new cases reported in 2022. A separate 2023 report revealed that over 300 individuals were diagnosed with various cancers within a three-year period.

The BVI Cancer Society hopes the government will act swiftly to strengthen food safety regulations and protect public health by addressing the risks posed by Red Dye #3.