FDA Moves to Ban Red No. 3 From All Food Products, Citing Potential Cancer Risk

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Food & Drug Administration announced Wednesday that it is changing its color additive regulations to no longer allow Red No. 3 to be used in ingested foods, beverages or medications.

The FDA says it has been actively considering approval of Red No. 3 for years after a petition was filed by a coalition of organizations highlighting its potential cancer risks and impact on children.

Nora Demers, a biology expert at Florida Gulf Coast University, and Francisco Diez, a food science expert at the University of Georgia, tell us they agree: banning Red No. 3 from all food products is a not in the right direction.

“It’s an absolutely positive decision,” Demers said.

“From a public health perspective, it looks like yes, it’s a good decision,” Diez added.

Red No. 3 is a synthetic coloring that gives foods and drinks a bright cherry red color. It is usually found in sweets and in some ingested medications such as acetaminophen.

“All kinds of brightly colored ultra-processed foods that are marketed to appeal to children,” Demers said.

Jamie Alan, a toxicology expert at Michigan State University, says there’s no need to panic. If you have food containing Red No. 3, you don’t have to throw it all away.

“It will be very good to consume what you have,” Alan said.

The dye, made from petroleum, was approved for use in foods in 1907. But Alan says that for years, advocacy groups have been fighting to have its approval revoked.

Red dye No. 3, while it presents significant health concerns as well as a potential cancer risk, it can also cause behavioral problems, especially in children,” Alan said.

Alan says that although the dye is now banned, other synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 40, are still allowed to be used. That’s why she hopes Wednesday’s news will lead to a deeper conversation.

“Whether it’s banning synthetic dyes everywhere or banning a greater proportion of synthetic dyes,” Alan said.

The FDA has given food manufacturers until January 15, 2027 to remove all Red #3 from their products. Food supplements will benefit from an additional year. Some states, like California, have already implemented a ban.