The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red No. 3, a widely used food dye linked to cancer in laboratory studies. Commonly found in beverages, candy, snacks, and other processed foods, the additive has faced scrutiny for decades due to its health risks.
The decision comes after a 2022 petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which highlighted the FDA’s own 1990 decision to ban Red No. 3 from cosmetics as “unsafe for use.” However, it remained approved for food and ingested drugs, despite growing evidence of its dangers. The FDA cited research showing cancer development in male rats exposed to high doses of the dye, prompting the agency to reevaluate its safety.
Red No. 3 is prevalent in products marketed to children, including sprinkles, candy, chips, and mini-muffins, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture database. While concerns have been raised about its potential to exacerbate hyperactivity in children, especially those with ADHD, past studies produced conflicting conclusions.
The FDA’s ban aligns with actions taken by the European Union and several U.S. states, including California, which outlawed the dye earlier in 2023. Food manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products to comply with the new regulation.
Source: FDA