FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 Amid Health Concerns; Food Manufacturers Prepare for Reformulation

Sara Myers

3 weeks ago
red round fruits on red plastic container

Photo by Sahand Babali

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, effective January 15, 2025, due to concerns over its potential carcinogenic effects. This decision aligns with California’s previous legislation that prohibits the use of this artificial coloring in foods served in schools, set to take effect in 2027.

The ban follows a petition from over 20 consumer advocacy groups, citing studies linking high doses of Red Dye No. 3 to cancer in laboratory rats. However, the agency noted that there is no evidence indicating that Red Dye No. 3 causes cancer in humans.

As food manufacturers prepare to reformulate their products, many are expected to turn to alternatives like Red Dye No. 40, which remains widely used despite ongoing debates about its safety.

Concerns about synthetic food dyes extend beyond health risks; they also include potential behavioral issues in children. A review by California’s Environmental Protection Agency found evidence suggesting that synthetic dyes could negatively influence children’s behavior.

As the FDA moves forward with this ban, it sets a precedent for stricter regulations on food additives in the U.S., reflecting a growing public demand for transparency and safety in food products.

For further details and direct quotes from experts, please refer to the original articles available on CNN and other reputable sources such as Good Housekeeping and NPR.

Sources:
[1] https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a63443789/red-dye-40-red-dye-3-foods/
[2] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a63461291/red-dye-3-vs-red-dye-40/
[3] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a63434985/red-dye-3-ban-foods-products/
[4] https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC193
[5] https://spcollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=254319&p=1695316
[6] https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/ACCC+commissioned+report+-+The+impact+of+digital+platforms+on+news+and+journalistic+content,+Centre+for+Media+Transition+(2).pdf
[7] https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/01/18/nx-s1-5262621/red-dye-3-food-children
[8] https://www.education.gov.za/Portals/0/Documents/Manuals/MTG%20EFAL%20P3.%20WRITING.%2019Jan2015_WEB.pdf?ver=2015-01-21-135506-000
[9] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/01/15/red-no-3-fda-ban/77717055007/
[10] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-write-quote-research-news-story-richard-berks
[11] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/15/health/red-dye-no-3-ban-fda-wellness/index.html

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