The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food coloring linked to cancer in laboratory animals. The petroleum-derived dye, which has been used since 1907 to give foods and drinks their bright cherry-red color, will be phased out over the next two years.
The ban affects over 9,200 food products, including popular items like candies, cereals, and fruit cocktail cherries, according to data from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Food manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products, while companies producing dietary supplements and other ingested drugs will have an additional year to comply.
"The FDA cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in human or animals," explained Jim Jones, FDA's deputy deputy director for human foods. He cited evidence showing cancer development in male rats exposed to high levels of the dye.
This decision resolves what CSPI President Dr. Peter Lurie called a "regulatory paradox" - the dye was banned from cosmetics in 1990 due to cancer concerns but remained legal in food products. "At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy," Lurie stated.
The ban follows decades of advocacy and research. The FDA first identified the dye's potential carcinogenic properties in the 1980s through studies showing tumor development in lab rats. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups have long pushed for its removal from the food supply.
Several regions have already taken action against the controversial dye. California and ten other U.S. states have moved to ban it, while countries including Australia, Japan, and European Union members have either banned or severely restricted its use.
The Consumer Brands Association, representing food manufacturers, indicated that companies will comply with the new regulations. "Food and beverage companies will continue to follow the latest science and comply with all food safety regulations to ensure safe and available choices for consumers," said Sarah Gallo, the association's senior vice president.
The FDA's decision maintains the approval of other artificial colorings, including Red No. 40, though some advocacy groups have raised concerns about behavioral effects in children. The agency currently approves 36 color additives, nine of which are synthetic dyes.
Environmental Working Group vice president Melanie Benesh praised the decision while calling for broader examination of artificial food colorings: "This is a big win for consumers, that this cancer-causing chemical is finally going to be out of the food supply. It is long overdue."
The ban represents a significant shift in U.S. food safety regulation and may signal increased scrutiny of artificial food additives in the future. Many manufacturers have already begun removing artificial dyes, including Red No. 3, from their products in response to consumer concerns and changing regulations.
NBC contribute to this article.
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