The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on the use of Red dye No. 3 in food products, effective January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, for certain brands that already include it in their recipes.
The ban comes after research studies showed that male rats exposed to high levels of Red 3 developed cancer. However, the FDA claims that the dye does not cause cancer in humans and other animals in the same way.
Several popular brands, including Nestle’s Nesquik, Carlo’s Hoboken Bakeshop, and Pillsbury Funfetti, will have to reformulate their products or stop selling them altogether. Other affected foods include Brach’s Candy Corn, Badia Spices Seasoning Mix Imitation Bacon Bits, PEZ, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bar, and Dubble Bubble Gum.
The FDA’s decision is based on the Delaney Clause, which allows for the ban of color additives that may cause cancer in humans or animals. The agency cited two studies that showed no link between Red 3 and human health risks.
Source: https://www.nj.com/business/2025/01/red-3-dye-ban-you-might-not-be-able-to-buy-these-8-foods-for-much-longer-including-nesquik-red-velvet-cake-more.html