ALERT: Popular Candy Dye BANNED by FDA!
Washington D.C. – In a significant move for public health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned Red No. 3, an artificial dye commonly used to give foods and drinks a vibrant cherry-red color.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, amends the agency’s color additive regulations, effectively prohibiting the use of Red No. 3 in both food and ingested drugs. This decision follows a 2022 petition filed by public health advocates who raised concerns about the dye’s potential link to cancer and behavioral issues in children.
What is Red No. 3?
Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It has been widely used in a variety of products, including:
- Candy
- Cakes and cupcakes
- Frozen desserts
- Frostings and icing
- Certain medications
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading non-profit focused on public health, over 3,000 products currently contain Red No. 3.
Why the Ban?
While the FDA acknowledged that studies in humans did not show the same cancer-causing effects observed in male rats, they ultimately decided to err on the side of caution. The agency also considered the growing body of evidence linking artificial food dyes to potential health concerns in children.
A Growing Movement
The FDA’s ban follows a wave of similar actions across the country. California was the first state to ban Red No. 3, along with several other food additives. In 2024, the state further restricted the use of six artificial food dyes in public school meals.
This trend is gaining momentum, with other states like Illinois and New York implementing similar restrictions.
Global Perspective
Red No. 3 is already banned in many parts of the world, including the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand.
Impact of the Ban
Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products to comply with the new regulations. Drug manufacturers will have an extended deadline of January 18, 2028.
