12 hours ago2 min read

FDA Bans the Use of Red Dye 3 in Beverages, Candy and Other Foods

Earlier today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of Red Dye 3, a synthetic dye that gives food and drinks a bright red cherry color because of its link to causing cancer in animals.

Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate their products, while drug companies will have until or January 18, 2028 to reformulate. Consumers may see Red Dye 3 as an ingredient in a food or drug product on the market past the effective date in the order if that product was manufactured before the effective date.

According to the FDA's website, they came to this conclusion after reviewing data presented in a 2022 color additive petition showing that the ingredient caused cancer in male laboratory rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 because of a hormonal mechanism that occurs in male rats. Studies in other animals or in humans did not show the same effect and there is no evidence showing FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in humans.

“These food dyes only serve one function in food, to make them look pretty so you and I want to buy it, it’s a marketing tool,” said Thomas Galligan, principal scientist for food additives and supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

It is legally required that Red Dye 3 be labeled on food labels if present, and would be listed as FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red 3, or Red 3. According to an Environmental Working Group database, more than 3,000 products currently contain the dye. So what common products will need reformulation? Check out the list below!

Candies