FDA to Ban the Use of Red Dye No. #3 in Food & Drugs
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced a nationwide ban on the use of FD & C Red No. 3 after linking the additive with cancer in laboratory rats. This synthetic dye, also called erythrosine, is made from petroleum and used to give food a bright cherry-red color.
Although FD & C Red No. 3 has been banned for use in cosmetics since 1990, it’s still found in many items. Like candies, including Brach’s Candy Corn, beverages such as strawberry flavored drinks, baked goods, frozen treats, cocktail cherries, oral medications, some food colorings and sprinkles, and supplements. The state of California has had its own ban on FD & C Red No. 3 since October of 2023.
Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in foods and beverages will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products. Drug onlinepanies will have until January 18th, 2028, to make the change.
While consumer advocate groups are celebrating this ban, there are still quite a few FDA-approved color additives that are still widely used in food and drugs.
