FDA Bans Red No. 3, Artificial Coloring Used in Candy and More

The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it’s banning the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives food and drinks their bright red cherry color but has been linked to cancer in animals.

The FDA’s Decision

The FDA’s decision marks a victory for consumer advocacy groups and some U.S. lawmakers who have long urged the FDA to revoke the additive’s approval, citing ample evidence that its use in beverages, dietary supplements, cereals, and candies may cause cancer as well as affect children’s behavior.

Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products. Companies that make ingested drugs, such as dietary supplements, will get an additional year.

What is Red Dye No. 3?

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

The FDA first became aware that the additive was possibly carcinogenic following a study in the 1980s that found tumors in male rats who were exposed to it in high doses. The agency banned the additive in cosmetics in 1990.

Red No. 3 is already banned or severely restricted in places outside the U.S., including Australia, Japan, and countries in the European Union.

FDA’s Reasons for Ban

“The FDA cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals,” said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy director for human foods, in a statement. “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3.”

Consumer Response

Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a high-profile food industry watchdog group, welcomed the FDA’s decision, stating, “It removes an unnecessary hazard from the American food supply, and we welcome that action, even though it should have occurred more than three decades ago.”

Impact of the Ban

Some U.S. food manufacturers have already removed artificial dyes, including Red No. 3, from their products.

Although the FDA is now revoking its approval, ending its use nationwide, other states had already taken action.

California and 10 other states had already made moves to ban the food dye, according to CSPI.

Conclusion

The ban on Red No. 3 marks a significant step towards removing a potentially harmful food additive from the market. Consumers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that food manufacturers have a deadline to reformulate their products and remove the dye. It is a reminder of the importance of continually reviewing and updating the list of approved food additives to ensure the health and safety of the public.

FAQs

Q: Why is Red No. 3 being banned?
A: Red No. 3 is being banned because it has been linked to cancer in animals and there is evidence of potential cancer risks.

Q: How will this affect food manufacturers?
A: Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products to remove Red No. 3. Companies that make ingested drugs, such as dietary supplements, will get an additional year.

Q: What other artificial dyes are being used in foods?
A: There are 36 FDA-approved color additives, nine of which are synthetic dyes.

Q: What are some other countries’ regulations on Red No. 3?
A: Red No. 3 is already banned or severely restricted in places outside the U.S., including Australia, Japan, and countries in the European Union.

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