
The FDA has finally banned Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer and behavioral issues, from food products and ingested drugs.
At a Glance
- FDA bans Red No. 3 dye, effective January 2027 for food and January 2028 for drugs
- The dye is found in various products including candies, cereals, and ice cream
- Ban follows concerns over cancer risks in animals and behavioral issues in children
- California and 10 other states have already moved to ban the dye
FDA Takes Action Against Controversial Food Coloring
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red No. 3, a synthetic dye widely used in food products and ingested drugs. The decision comes after decades of concerns about the dye’s potential health risks, particularly its links to cancer in animal studies and behavioral issues in children. The ban will take effect on January 15, 2027, for food products and January 18, 2028, for ingested drugs, giving manufacturers time to reformulate their products.
Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, has been a common ingredient in various food products, including gummies, ice cream cones, frostings, toaster pastries, candy, cereals, and strawberry-flavored milkshakes. The dye, made from petroleum, was first approved for food use in 1907 but has faced scrutiny in recent years due to growing health concerns.
FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods https://t.co/1vEQvrPjdD pic.twitter.com/3fh1Z9z8Xs
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) January 15, 2025
Health Concerns and Previous Restrictions
The FDA’s decision follows a review of a petition filed in 2022 regarding the dye’s health effects. Studies have linked high levels of Red No. 3 to cancer in male rats, although the FDA notes that human exposure is typically much lower. The dye has also been associated with behavioral issues in children, though studies show only an association, not causation.
Interestingly, Red No. 3 was banned from cosmetics in the United States in 1990 due to similar concerns. The dye is already banned or restricted in Australia, Japan, and the European Union. The FDA’s current decision aligns U.S. policy more closely with these international standards.
Impact on Consumers and Industry
The ban represents a significant victory for consumer advocacy groups and some U.S. lawmakers who have long pushed for stricter regulations on food additives. California recently passed a law banning Red No. 3 and other chemicals in food and drinks, effective 2027, marking the first state-level ban on FDA-permitted additives. Ten other states have followed suit, indicating a growing trend towards more stringent food safety standards.
For consumers, the ban means that many familiar products may undergo recipe changes in the coming years. Some U.S. manufacturers have already taken steps to remove Red No. 3 from their products, anticipating regulatory changes. Experts recommend alternatives such as beet extract for those seeking to avoid the dye before the ban takes effect.
Industry Response and Future Implications
The National Confectioners Association has expressed support for the FDA’s decision, emphasizing the need for a strong regulatory framework. This stance suggests that the industry is prepared to adapt to the new regulations, potentially leading to a broader shift towards natural food colorings.
The FDA’s decision on Red No. 3 may pave the way for further scrutiny of other synthetic food additives. Currently, the FDA has 36 approved color additives, nine of which are synthetic dyes. As consumer awareness grows and research continues, we may see more changes in food additive regulations in the coming years, potentially reshaping the landscape of processed foods in the United States.