FDA Takes Bold Step: Red Dye Banned in Food and Medications for Consumer Safety

NEW ORLEANS – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a common food colorant used in various products like candies, cakes, and frostings. This decision comes after the FDA reviewed this dye in light of its potential health risks.

The ban follows a petition from 2022 which urged the FDA to reconsider the use of Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns about its safety. This concern is rooted in the Delaney Clause, a law established in 1960 that prohibits any food additive that could cause cancer in animals or humans.

Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit organization focused on health and the environment, supports this ban. They believe it has been a long time coming and will help protect public health, especially for children.

Despite the ban, the FDA noted that the way Red Dye No. 3 causes cancer in male rats is not applicable to humans. They stated that human exposure levels are typically much lower than those that caused cancer in animal studies. This suggests that the dye may not pose a significant risk to people based on current scientific evidence.

Manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to remove the dye from food products, and until January 18, 2028, for ingested drugs. Imported foods will also need to comply with this ban.

Red Dye No. 3 is already banned in several countries, including those in the European Union, which restrict its use in most foods. Alternatives to this dye are available, making it possible for manufacturers to reformulate their products. California has even taken proactive measures by passing a state bill earlier this year to eliminate Red Dye No. 3 and other harmful additives.

This move reflects a growing trend towards safer food additives and reinforces the push for healthier options in the food supply.