FDA bans red dye No. 3 in food and beverages that is linked to cancer

Important Update: FDA Bans Red No. 3 Artificial Coloring

• The FDA has officially banned Red No. 3, an artificial coloring commonly found in candy, cereal, cakes, and other foods due to its potential link to cancer in rats when consumed in high doses.
• Food manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate products that currently contain this synthetic dye.
• After more than 30 years since restricting its use in cosmetics and externally applied drugs in 1990, the FDA has responded to a petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest and other organizations to ban Red No. 3 in food.

Insight into Red No. 3

Red No. 3, approved for food use in 1907, is a petroleum-derived coloring agent known for its vibrant red hue, commonly used in a wide range of food products from candy to sodas.

In 2022, the Environmental Working Group identified 2,876 brand-name food items containing Red No. 3, with a significant presence in baking decorations, dessert toppings, chewing gum, candy, and cookies. Despite being used in over 200,000 pounds of food and drugs in 2021, the FDA has decided to ban its use in food and beverages.

While the mechanism of Red No. 3 causing cancer in male rats is not directly applicable to humans, the FDA cited the Delaney Clause, prohibiting the approval of substances linked to cancer in any form.

Notably, Red No. 3 has already been banned in several countries, including Europe where restricted use is limited to specific cherries.

Consumer Advocacy Triumph

The FDA’s decision to ban Red No. 3 marks a significant victory for consumer health and safety, as long-standing concerns regarding its potential health risks, especially in children, have finally been addressed.

Consumer advocacy groups, such as the Environmental Working Group and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, have been instrumental in pushing for this regulatory change, emphasizing the importance of clean-label ingredients and public health.

With states like California already enforcing bans on Red No. 3 and others considering similar actions, food companies are gradually phasing out the use of this controversial dye. The National Confectioners Association has expressed its commitment to complying with FDA regulations and ensuring food safety remains a top priority in the industry.