Make America Healthy Again? Red Dye Banned by FDA Due to Cancer Risks
Red Dye No. 3, commonly used in food and drinks, will no longer be allowed after 2027 after the synthetic dye has been linked to cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the prohibition of Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic color additive linked to cancer in laboratory animals. The dye, which creates a bright red hue, has been widely used in foods and beverages, including candy, cereals, and strawberry milkshakes.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy group, more than 9,200 food products contain the additive. CSPI petitioned the FDA in 2022, citing research that associates Red No. 3 with cancer risks and behavioral effects in children.

The FDA’s decision has been praised by advocates and lawmakers who have campaigned against the dye for years. In a statement, Dr. Peter Lurie, president of CSPI, highlighted the inconsistency in the FDA’s regulations, noting that Red No. 3 has been banned in cosmetics since 1990 under the Delaney Clause, which mandates the prohibition of additives shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy director for human foods, confirmed that evidence of cancer in male laboratory rats exposed to high levels of Red No. 3 played a significant role in the decision.

Manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to remove the dye from their food and beverage products. Companies producing dietary supplements and other ingestible drugs will have an additional year to comply with the new regulation.

The ban represents a major victory for those advocating for stricter food safety measures and highlights ongoing efforts to protect public health.