FDA Announces U.S. Ban on Red 3 Dye Over Cancer Concerns

What Happened?

U.S. health officials on Wednesday announced a ban on the use of dye Red No. 3 from the nation's food supply.

The Food and Drug Administration revoked the authorization of Red No. 3 in response to a 2022 color additive petition on behalf of multiple health and food safety advocates.

Some scientific studies have linked the dye to cancer in lab rats, according to a past petition in the FDA's announcement.

Those studies reportedly barred the dye nearly 35 years ago from cosmetics under the Delaney Clause despite still being used in many foods and beverages to give a bright cherry-red color.

Why it Matters

Researchers in 1990 also reportedly found the additive to be carcinogenic at high doses for rats in lab tests.

In a released document, the FDA stated as a 'matter of law' that the artificial food coloring known as erythrosine, FD&C, Red No. 3, or Red 3 will no longer be allowed in U.S. food or ingested drugs starting Jan. 15, 2027.

Manufacturers who use Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products.

Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told reporters 'this is a welcome, but long overdue.'

Lurie added, 'Removing the unsustainable double standard in which Red 3 was banned from lipstick but permitted in candy.'

Red No. 3, made from petroleum, was approved for use in foods in 1907.

The dye is primarily used in cold medicine, thousands of foods such as candy, cereals, and many strawberry and cherry-flavored products, according to the health advocacy group associated with the petition.

The group stated in 2023 California became the first U.S. state to ban the food color additive as other states soon followed suit.

Some companies have switched to red dye No. 40, which is reportedly considered a healthier alternative not associated with cancer in animals.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf suggested the ban may still face legal opposition from food manufacturers amid limited evidence Red No. 3 causes cancer when consumed by humans, reports state.

'When we do ban something, it will go to court,' Dr. Califf reportedly told Congress members during a December hearing. 'And if we don’t have the scientific evidence, we will lose in court.'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was brought on to lead the Department of Health and Human Services under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Although RFK Jr. has received a lot of pushback from members within the health industry, he has reportedly pledged to get toxic chemicals out of the American food supply.

How it Affects You

America is evolving and becoming more consciously aware of healthier food choices and ingredients used.

As California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel told NBC News, 'Putting pressure on the FDA to look at these issues more closely, to step up to the plate and take their regulatory responsibilities seriously, is working.'

Gabriel added that he has heard excitement and bipartisan support from both sides of the aisle about the FDA’s ban.

This marks one step in the process as the U.S. looks to combat chronic diseases that have impacted the lives of many nationwide.