Red dye has been a staple in American food for decades, creating the bright cherry-like color that consumers love.
But the federal government has now banned it, citing its ties to cancer in animals and developmental disorders in children.
Advocacy groups have been pressuring the government to ban the additive in foods for years, around three decades after the FDA banned it from cosmetics.
The dye is common in supermarkets, permeating around 26 percent of baking decorations and dessert toppings, 16 percent of chewing gum and mints, 13 percent of candy, and 11 percent of cookies and biscuits.
The federal government’s ban mirrors one in California that went into effect in October 2023.
Companies using the dye will have January 2027 to remove the substance from their foods. Those using it in drugs will have until January 2028 to remove it.
From bubble gum to Pez and sour candies, red 3 has been part of the American diet for decades.
But the latest ban will also affect medications, such as types of acetaminophen for pain and antibiotics.
Pictured above is a product affected by the incoming ban, as Dubble Bubble contains Red Dye No.3
Dyes like Red 3 are used to give candies their bright and vibrant colors. In addition to California, which has banned it, at least 10 other states have taken steps to ban the additive in foods
The FDA has been studying red 3 for decades, but deemed it safe because it has not been shown to have links to cancer in humans: ‘relevant exposure levels to FD&C Red No. 3 for humans are typically much lower than those that cause the effects shown in male rats.
The FDA said that: ‘Claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information.’
At least 10 other states have taken steps to ban the additive in foods.
Meanwhile, the the National Confectioners Association said in a statement: ‘Our consumers and everyone in the food industry want and expect a strong FDA, and a consistent, science-based national regulatory framework.’
‘For years, our industry has been calling for more transparency, more funding, and more staff resources for the FDA to continue fulfilling its mission, and it’s time to put politics aside and work together to fund the FDA at levels that will allow it to continue its work.’
Vani Hari, a campaigner who has been pushing Kelloggs to remove the dye from its cereals, said: ‘Red No. 3 being allowed in our food for over 30 years, after being banned in cosmetics, is one of the greatest examples of how conflicts of interest have prevented the FDA from protecting the American people.’
A spokeswoman for the National Confectioners Association, which represents many candy companies, said: ‘Food safety is the number one priority for US confectionary companies.
‘We will continue to follow and comply with FDA’s guidance and safety standards.’
Red 3 can also be found in candies such as jelly beans. Red 3 has also been linked to potential behavioral problems like hyperactivity, similar to red 40. And there is some evidence that red 3 affects hormone activity, contributing to thyroid problems
She added: ‘Our consumers and everyone in the food industry want and expect a strong FDA, and a consistent, science-based national regulatory framework.’
Red 3 can also be found in jelly beans, colored sprinkles, milks, juices, cake mix, frozen yogurts, sports drinks, and some meats.
There’s no indication yet that food manufacturers will fight the new rule, and they will be given ample time to reformulate their products to come into compliance.
Manufacturers could shift to using red 40, which, along with red 3, have been linked to myriad health issues.
Red 3 has been classified as a possible human carcinogen after evidence in previous studies have shown ties to thyroid tumors in rats. After 70 male rats were fed doses of red 3 equaling four percent of their diets over their lifetime, 15 developed thyroid tumors.
Red 3 has also been linked to potential behavioral problems like hyperactivity, similar to red 40. And there is some evidence that red 3 affects hormone activity, contributing to thyroid problems.
