FDA Considers Ban on Red Dye No. 3

The FDA is considering a ban on Red No. 3, an artificial food coloring linked to thyroid cancer in animals and behavioral issues in children, following years of advocacy from health groups and recent legislative actions in various states. Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones indicated a decision on the petition to ban the dye could come soon, as California has already outlawed it, effective 2027, and other states are proposing similar bans. Currently, approximately 3,000 food products in the U.S. contain Red No. 3, which is already prohibited in cosmetics in the U.S. and in food across several other countries, including the EU. The growing public concern has prompted some manufacturers to remove the dye from their products, citing health risks. Additionally, lawmakers in Arkansas have introduced a bill to ban Red No. 3 alongside other additives due to their potential health risks. As the FDA reviews the situation, various states are pushing for stricter regulations on food dyes to enhance public safety.