US bans use of Red No.3 dye in food, drugs over potential cancer links By Reuters

(Reuters) – The United States on Wednesday banned the use of a synthetic food dye that gives some candies, cakes and some oral medications a cherry-red color, following evidence that the dye causes cancer in lab rats.

The Food and Drug Administration’s ban on the dye, called Red No. 3, in food comes more than three decades after it was banned in cosmetics.

Consumer advocacy groups have been pushing for its ban for several years, including a petition in 2022 to review studies showing that high exposure to the additive can cause cancer in male rats.

“FDA cannot approve a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals,” said Deputy Human Food Commissioner Jim Jones.

The regulator, however, said that studies in other animals and humans have not shown these effects, and that the available evidence does not support claims that the use of the dye in food and oral medicines puts people at risk.

Manufacturers using Red No. 3 in food have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate their products, and manufacturers of ingested drugs have until January 18, 2028 to comply with the ban.

Lawmakers recently grilled FDA Commissioner Robert Califf during a Senate committee hearing on the use of food dyes, including Red No. 3.

“Food safety is the number one priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDA guidelines and safety standards,” said the trade group National Pastry Chefs Association.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the nation’s top health agency, has often talked about reducing chemicals in food.