The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide ban on the use of red dye No. 3 in food and beverage products, prescription medications, and other consumer goods. The synthetic dye, which was approved for use in 1907, has been linked to cancer in animal studies and is already banned or restricted in several countries.
Experts welcome the FDA’s decision as a step forward in improving public health. Public health groups, such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and Environmental Working Group (EWG), have lobbied for years to ban the dye. The FDA’s move aligns with state legislation, including California’s 2023 Food Safety Act, which prohibited red dye no. 3.
The synthetic dye is found in many commercial products, from candies to baked goods, snacks, desserts, and fruit-flavored juices and sodas. It is also used as a coloring agent in over-the-counter drugs like cough syrups and pain relievers. The ban takes effect on January 15, 2027, requiring manufacturers to replace the dye with alternative ingredients that meet FDA requirements.
Experts say the shift towards removing harmful additives aligns with addressing root causes of chronic health issues influenced by dietary and environmental factors. Natural alternatives, such as beet juice, hibiscus or elderberry extracts, annatto or paprika extract, red cabbage or radish-derived anthocyanins, are potential substitutes for synthetic dyes.
The FDA’s ban on red dye No. 3 is seen as a response to systemic gaps in regulation and prioritization of industrial convenience over public health concerns.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-bans-red-dye-no-3-from-food-drugs-citing-cancer-risks