FDA Bans Red 3 Dye in Food, Linking It to Cancer in Rats

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday banned the use of red dye No. 3 in food, drinks and medicines, more than three decades after the synthetic dye was first found to cause cancer in rats. male laboratory animals.

The coloring, a petroleum-based additive, was used to give candy, soda and other products their vibrant cherry red hue. Consumer advocates said the FDA’s decision to revoke the authorization was long overdue, given the agency’s 1990 decision to ban the chemical’s use in cosmetics and topical medications. .

Under federal rules, the FDA is prohibited from approving food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals.

“This is wonderful news and long overdue,” said Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group, one of several organizations that have called on the agency to take action. regarding this additive. “Red Dye 3 is the lowest hanging fruit when it comes to toxic food dyes that the FDA should address.”

Starting in 2027, companies will have to start removing the coloring from their products. Imported foods sold in the United States would also have to remove the additive.

Although the coloring is still used in hundreds of products, many companies have shifted to other food colorings, a trend that accelerated after California in 2023 became the first state to ban Red 3 as well. than three other food additives associated with disease. The dye has also been linked to health problems in children.