FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 From Food Products More Than 30 Years After Banning It From Cosmetics
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of red dye no.3 in food products, after first banning the petroleum-based synthetic color addictive from cosmetics over 30-years ago due to its links to…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has Banned the use of Red dye no.3 in food products, after first banning the petroleum-based synthetic color addictive from cosmetics over 30-years ago due to its links to cancer.
The agency announced Wednesday that it will be banning the use of the product from food, beverages, and ingestible drugs like Tylenol.
“The FDA is revoking the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 as a matter of law, based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act),” the announcement reads, “The FDA is amending its color additive regulations to no longer allow for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition.”
According to the FDA, two studies that were included in the petition’s filings showed high concentrations of the dye caused cancer in male lab rats, but the agency goes on to say claims made that state the dye causes cancer in humans, are “not supported by the available scientific information.”
The announcement further notes Red dye no.3 is primarily used in food products like cakes, cupcakes, frozen desserts, candy, and frosting, giving the food a bright red cherry color. Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, to reformulate their products and phase the dye out, while imported foods will have to meet new U.S. requirements.



