FDA Bans Red Dye No.3

This ban is in response to a petition asking the agency to reevaluate this dye due to an association with cancer in rats.  No longer will we have the bright, cherry red color in our food and drinks.

The Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act states the FDA cannot authorize a color or food additive that has been found to cause cancer in animals or humans. According to a statement from the CSPI, the FDA banned red no. 3 ban in a response to a 2022  petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and 23 other organizations.  

There have been many other food additives that have previously been banned.  For a further list:

• Red 3: FDA finally bans cancer-causing food dye. Available at: https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/red-3-fda-finally-bans-cancer-causing-food-dye. Published Jan. 15, 2025. Accessed Jan. 15, 2025.
  • FDA removes 7 synthetic flavoring substances from food additives list. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-removes-7-synthetic-flavoring-substances-food-additives-list. Published Oct. 5, 2018. Accessed Jan. 15, 2025.
  • Red 3: FDA finally bans cancer-causing food dye. Available at: https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/red-3-fda-finally-bans-cancer-causing-food-dye. Published Jan. 15, 2025. Accessed Jan. 15, 2025.
  • Helio/Primary Care January 2025