Key points
- FDA cited research linking red dye No 3 to cancer in rats
- May be associated with attention and behavioural issues in children
- May also be associated with damage to reproductive system
- FDA’s new ban goes into effect in 2027
ISLAMABAD: The US Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of red dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs, the agency announced Wednesday.
According to Health.com, the FDA cited evidence that the synthetic colour additive causes cancer in animals—the same reasoning the agency used to ban red dye No 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs over 30 years ago.
The ruling follows California’s ban of red dye No 3 in October 2023 and comes in response to a November 2022 colour additive petition from multiple advocacy organisations and individuals, including the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
“Today’s action by the FDA marks a monumental victory for consumer health and safety,” Ken Cook, co-founder and president of EWG, said in a press release. “For years, Red 3 remained in food products, despite growing evidence linking it to health problems, particularly in kids.”
Today’s action by the FDA marks a monumental victory for consumer health and safety.” – Ken Cook, co-founder and president of EWG.
Red dye No 3, also known as erythrosine, is a petroleum-based colour additive used to give food and drinks a bright, cherry-red colour.
Cancer in rats
It’s found in foods like candy, icing, and frozen desserts, as well as in oral medications.
In 1988, a study found that red dye No 3 may cause cancer in rats. This finding was the basis for the FDA’s initial ban on red dye No 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990.5
In its latest ban, the FDA specified that research suggests red dye No. 3 is a carcinogen only for rats—not humans. “Claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information,” the announcement said. Still, the links to cancer were enough to ban the colour additive in food and ingested medicine.
Research has also shown that red dye No 3 may be associated with attention and behavioural issues in children and damage to the reproductive system.
“There is growing scientific evidence that this is an unnecessary and harmful additive that can be removed from our food supply,” Monica L. Wang, ScD, an associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health and an adjunct associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told Health. “In addition to a scientific perspective, just from a common-sense perspective, this isn’t something we need to consume.”
There is growing scientific evidence that this is an unnecessary and harmful additive that can be removed from our food supply.” – Monica L Wang, associate professor at Boston University.
The FDA’s new ban goes into effect in 2027. Food manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to remove red dye No 3 from products, and drug manufacturers have until January 18, 2028.
Check ingredient lists
Until then, Wang recommends checking ingredient lists and avoiding foods and medications with the colour additive. She also recommends watching out for other food dyes, which come with potential health risks and have been banned or regulated in other places like Canada and the European Union.
California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has specifically identified red dye No. 40, yellow dyes No. 5 and No. 6, blue dyes No. 1 and No. 2, and green dye No. 3 as being connected to neurobehavioral issues in children, according to Health.com.
Wang said the FDA’s new ban may point to increased awareness of the health impacts of color additives and processed foods, and it could open the door to banning other food dyes. “This is a win for everyone,” Wang added. “It’s a very positive step.”
