Red dye has been a staple in American food for decades, creating the bright cherry-like color that consumers love.
But the federal government has now banned it, citing its ties to cancer in animals and developmental disorders in children.
Advocacy groups have been pressuring the government to ban the additive in foods for years, around three decades after the FDA banned it from cosmetics.
The dye is common in supermarkets, permeating around 26 percent of baking decorations and dessert toppings, 16 percent of chewing gum and mints, 13 percent of candy, and 11 percent of cookies and biscuits.
The federal government’s ban mirrors one in California that went into effect in October 2023.
Companies using the dye will have January 2027 to remove the substance from their foods. Those using it in drugs will have until January 2028 to remove it.
Vani Hari, a campaigner who has been pushing Kelloggs to remove the dye from its cereals, said: ‘Red No. 3 being allowed in our food for over 30 years, after being banned in cosmetics, is one of the greatest examples of how conflicts of interest have prevented the FDA from protecting the American people.’
A spokeswoman for the National Confectioners Association, which represents many candy companies, said: ‘Food safety is the number one priority for US confectionary companies.
Pictured above is a product affected by the incoming ban, as Dubble Bubble contains Red Dye No.3
‘We will continue to follow and comply with FDA’s guidance and safety standards.’
She added: ‘Our consumers and everyone in the food industry want and expect a strong FDA, and a consistent, science-based national regulatory framework.’
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
