FDA Cracks Down on Red Dye No. 3: Time for a New Standard for Food Safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to ban Red Dye No. 3 from food and other products after decades of debate over its safety.

Key Facts:

  • The dye was first approved for use in 1907 and later linked to cancer in male rats.
  • Red Dye No. 3 remains in hundreds of products, but many companies have switched to other colorings.
  • Beginning in 2027, the additive must be removed from all U.S. foods, beverages, drugs, and imported products.
  • FDA officials say current research does not prove similar cancer risks in humans.
  • California led the way in banning the dye in 2023 as part of a broader move against certain food additives.

The Rest of The Story:

Consumer advocates have pushed for this change since 1990, when the FDA banned the dye in cosmetics and promised future action on food. Even so, companies continued using it to color candy, soda, and other items.

Critics say the move took too long, while the FDA insists there is limited evidence of harm to people. Regardless, manufacturers and importers will have to comply with the ban, signaling a shift in how regulators handle potentially harmful additives.

Commentary:

For too long, the American government has allowed questionable chemicals into our food supply. President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice for Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been warning for years that synthetic dyes are toxic, even appearing in children’s vitamins.

The mounting pressure on the FDA to address these concerns shows that the public is ready for a cleaner food system.

This ban is a wake-up call. If our country is to become healthy again, we must remain vigilant about what goes into our meals, snacks, and medicines.

The Bottom Line:

Red Dye No. 3 is on its way out, and this marks a crucial step in protecting consumers from known risks. Many see it as the beginning of a broader effort to ensure safer ingredients in our food.

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