The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially moved to ban Red No. 3, a synthetic dye widely used in food products and ingested medications, following evidence linking it to cancer in lab animals. The dye, known for giving bright red hues to items like candy, cookies, and frostings, has been a fixture in the food industry for over half a century. However, advocacy from health groups and mounting scientific evidence about its toxicity have finally pushed the FDA to take action. Despite the decision, manufacturers will be allowed to continue using Red No. 3 in food products until January 2027 and in ingested drugs until January 2028.
Red No. 3, also referred to as FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine, has long been a staple in creating vibrant cherry-red colors in treats like cupcakes, frozen desserts, and even red cough syrups. While the FDA requires the dye to be listed on ingredient labels, it has come under fire for its potential health risks. Made from petroleum, this dye has been flagged for its inclusion in a variety of products and has even been linked to adverse health effects, prompting widespread concern among health advocates and consumers.
The ban can be traced back to a 2022 petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nonprofit organization urging the FDA to remove the dye from its list of approved food additives. Citing studies that connected Red No. 3 to thyroid gland adenomas and carcinomas in lab rats, the petition argued that the dye poses a significant health risk. Under the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the use of substances shown to cause cancer in animals or humans from being added to food, the FDA had little choice but to act.
Research highlighting the dangers of Red No. 3 has gone beyond its links to cancer. Additional studies have tied similar synthetic dyes, such as Red 40, to early-onset colorectal cancer in mice and potential neurobehavioral effects in children, including increased hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms. These findings have fueled skepticism about the safety of artificial food dyes, particularly those derived from petroleum, and have reignited calls for greater transparency and regulation in food manufacturing.
While the ban marks a significant step forward in reducing exposure to harmful additives, critics question why manufacturers are being given years to phase out the dye. In the meantime, consumers are advised to scrutinize ingredient labels and avoid products listing FD&C Red No. 3 or its counterparts, such as Red 40 and Red 40 Aluminum Lake. For those concerned about their health, this move underscores the importance of demanding higher standards from the food and pharmaceutical industries.
