What if the colorful, sugary treats you’ve been enjoying for decades were linked to cancer? Sounds extreme, right? Yet, for over 30 years, a synthetic food dye has been hiding in plain sight in countless products we consume daily. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently took a long-overdue step toward consumer safety by officially banning Red Dye No. 3 from foods, supplements, and medications—a victory that is years in the making. But why did it take so long? And what does this mean for the future of food safety?
The Long Road to Change
Earlier this month, after decades of debate and mounting evidence, the FDA officially moved to ban Red Dye No. 3—an additive used in candies, snack cakes, and even some medications. The ban, effective by January 2027 for food and January 2028 for drugs, follows a 2022 petition signed by over two dozen health and food safety advocates. The dye, known chemically as erythrosine, had already been banned from cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990 due to its links to cancer in lab rats. Yet it remained in products we ingest—until now.
The move to eliminate this artificial color from our food supply is groundbreaking, yet it raises an important question: Why has it taken this long? The FDA’s action comes after decades of controversy, including studies in the 1980s that linked high doses of Red Dye No. 3 to tumors in male rats. Still, the FDA argued there was no conclusive evidence showing cancer risk in humans, leading to a discrepancy between the regulation of cosmetics and consumables. That is, until recently, when new data emerged showing that the risks were far more alarming than previously acknowledged.
What’s Behind the Ban?
At the heart of this decision is the Delaney Clause, part of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This clause prohibits any additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals from entering our food supply. The findings, including those from a 2022 petition and past animal studies, confirmed what many experts had long suspected: exposure to Red Dye No. 3 causes cancer in lab rats, particularly males. The delay in action, critics argue, may have been due to lobbying from the food industry, which for years claimed that the dye was safe for human consumption.
“Ultimately, you want to test in humans, but rats, pigs, monkeys—they’re all mammals, and the evidence from these species is strong enough to warrant action,” says Frederic Bertley, CEO of the Center for Science & Industry. While there is no direct evidence linking Red No. 3 to cancer in humans, the preponderance of data indicates that the risks far outweigh any benefit. As Bertley aptly puts it, “There hasn’t been a ton of data yet in humans, but there’s enough evidence to suggest this stuff is not good.”
A Closer Look at the Risks of Red Dye No. 3
While scientific studies have focused on potential cancer risks and other health concerns, it’s essential to understand the broader safety profile of FD&C Red No. 3. According to the safety data sheet (SDS) from Flinn Scientific, the food dye falls under the hazard class of “acute toxicity, oral (Category 4),” meaning it is harmful if swallowed. Specifically, this category is considered “practically non-toxic and not an irritant” compared to other more dangerous substances. However, this doesn’t mean Red No. 3 is without risk.
In practical terms, this classification means that consuming large quantities of Red 3 could lead to harm, which is why its use has been reevaluated over time. The cautionary note from the SDS, “Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product,” underscores the importance of proper handling and awareness of potential risks, even when the product is incorporated into consumables.
This additional layer of safety concern, paired with extensive evidence linking the dye to cancerous tumors in rats, made it clear that Red No. 3’s role in food was no longer sustainable, especially when more natural alternatives exist..
The Global Response
Red Dye No. 3 is already banned or restricted in several countries, including Australia, Japan, and much of Europe. California led the way in the U.S. when it passed a statewide ban in 2023, setting the stage for other states, like Washington and Illinois, to follow suit. But here’s the kicker: Despite this global backlash, the dye remained on U.S. shelves for years due to regulatory loopholes and industry pushback.
“It’s a welcome but long-overdue action from the FDA,” says Dr. Peter Lurie, President of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). “There’s no reason why something as dangerous as this should still be in our food, especially when many countries have already banned it.”
This decision signals a shift toward consumer protection and growing distrust of synthetic additives in food products. While there is no definitive proof that Red Dye No. 3 is a human carcinogen, its long history of controversy is enough to warrant a change—and that change is happening now.
The Foods and Medications You Need to Watch
Red Dye No. 3 can be found in thousands of products across U.S. grocery stores. The CSPI reports that over 9,000 foods in the U.S. still contain this dye. These include:
Candy: Seasonal varieties and popular candies like gummies
Baked goods: Snack cakes, cupcakes, and frostings
Beverages: Strawberry milk, ice pops, and sodas
Frozen desserts: Many ice creams and frozen treats
Medications: Acetaminophen, fluoxetine (Prozac), and some protein shakes
While many manufacturers have already started replacing Red Dye No. 3 with more natural alternatives like beet juice, the fact remains that consumers need to be vigilant. Always check ingredient labels for “FD&C Red No. 3,” “Red 3,” or “Erythrosine” to avoid ingesting the potentially harmful additive.
Moving Toward a Healthier Future: What You Can Do
The FDA’s ban is a significant step toward cleaner, safer food. But consumers have the power to drive even more change. As we embrace this milestone, there are a few simple actions we can take to support the movement toward natural food dyes and additives:
Check Your Labels: Next time you’re grocery shopping, look closely at the ingredients in the products you buy. Avoid items that contain synthetic dyes, particularly Red Dye No. 3.
Support Natural Alternatives: Look for brands that use natural colorants like beet juice, fruit extracts, or vegetable powders instead of synthetic dyes. Many companies are already switching to these healthier options.
Spread the Word: The more we talk about food safety and the risks of artificial additives, the faster we can bring about change. Share this information with your friends and family, and advocate for healthier food choices in your community.
Push for Policy Change: Support legislative efforts that aim to reduce or ban the use of harmful food additives. Call your representatives and ask them to prioritize food safety and public health.
A Healthier, More Colorful Future
The FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 marks a crucial victory for public health, but it’s only one part of a broader movement toward cleaner, safer, and more transparent food. The growing demand for natural alternatives is reshaping the food industry, and the power of consumer choice can accelerate this change.
It’s time to celebrate the progress we’ve made—but it’s also time to take action. Together, we can make sure that the colorful foods we consume bring joy, not harm. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and demand a future where every ingredient on our plates is safe for everyone.
Are you ready to be part of the movement for safer, healthier food? Start by checking your labels and choosing natural alternatives. Share this article with your network and join the conversation—together, we can make a difference!