Regulators cite long-standing health concerns as companies phase out the dye by 2027
The FDA announced this week that it will ban Red 3, a synthetic food dye, due to its potential cancer risk in lab animals. The move comes after years of public and legal pressure urging stricter regulation of artificial food additives.
Red 3’s Longstanding Presence in Processed Foods
For decades, Red 3 has been widely used in candy, snacks, and beverages. Notable products containing the dye include Dubble Bubble Chewing Gum, candy corn, strawberry Ring Pops, Ensure nutrition shakes, and Del Monte fruit cups.
The FDA’s decision follows longstanding evidence linking Red 3 to cancer in lab rats exposed to high doses. The agency cited the Delaney Clause, which mandates the removal of any substance shown to cause cancer in animals. This marks a significant reversal from its previous stance, which downplayed human risk.
Public Health Advocacy Leads to Regulatory Action
In 2022, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) petitioned the FDA to ban Red 3 from food and beverages. Now, companies have until 2027 to phase out the dye from their products.
CSPI has also raised concerns about potential links between artificial food dyes and behavioral issues, including hyperactivity in children. However, the current ban focuses solely on Red 3’s cancer risks.
A Nationwide Step Following State-Level Bans
The FDA’s move follows previous state-level actions—California and other states have already begun banning Red 3 from consumer products. This federal action marks a significant step in protecting public health and reinforces the need for continued scrutiny of artificial food additives.
