FDA Takes Action: Red Dye No. 3 Banned in Food and Drinks for Your Health and Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red No. 3 in foods, drinks, and drugs. This decision comes after studies showed a link between the additive and cancer in laboratory animals.

Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye that adds a bright cherry-red color to many products, especially candies, cakes, cookies, and frozen desserts. The FDA revealed that high levels of this dye can cause cancer in male rats, although officials noted that this effect does not happen in humans.

Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to remove Red No. 3 from their products. This is a significant move, as the dye has been banned in cosmetics and topical drugs for over 30 years due to cancer risks. However, it was previously allowed in edible items.

In 2022, a petition from advocacy groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), urged the FDA to take action, leading to the recent ban. Thomas Galligan, CSPI’s Principal Scientist for Additives and Supplements, called this decision a critical step in protecting consumers. He also urged people to be cautious about other synthetic dyes like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3.

This action reflects growing concerns about food safety and the potential risks of chemical additives in our diets. As consumers, being informed helps us make better choices for our health.

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