FDA Bans ‘Red No. 3’ Food Dye Over Cancer Concerns
WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a ban on the widely used synthetic food dye ‘Red No. 3’, commonly found in candies, cakes, and some oral medications, due to cancer risks highlighted by a new study.
The FDA issued a warning about the risks associated with ‘Red No. 3’, which had previously been banned in cosmetics and other products due to similar health concerns. There has been growing pressure for the removal of this dye from food items, following studies that suggest potential risks to human health.
Despite the ban, FDA officials argued that studies on various animals have not demonstrated similar cancer risks, and current evidence does not support claims that the dye poses a significant threat to human health when used in food and medications.
Read More: How Dietary Choices Can Help Prevent the Rising Cancer Risk Among Youth
The company that produces the dye has been given a deadline of January 15, 2027, to reformulate its products, while manufacturers of oral medications containing the dye have until January 18, 2028 to comply with the ban.
The ban has garnered strong support from lawmakers and consumer advocacy groups in the US, who have long advocated for the removal of harmful chemicals from food. The decision is seen as a significant step forward in efforts to reduce the use of artificial food dyes and other potentially harmful chemicals in the food industry.
