FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 for Consumer Products

The FDA has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a color additive linked to potential cancer risks, primarily based on studies involving lab rats. The ban will require food manufacturers to phase out Red 3 by January 2027, while ingested medications must do so by January 2028. Doctors and health experts, including those from the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, have expressed support for the ban, citing safety concerns and its links to behavioral issues in children. Some manufacturers have already begun transitioning to natural color alternatives, such as vegetable and fruit pigments. Although the dye is not confirmed to cause cancer in humans, the FDA's previous restrictions on its use in cosmetics highlight ongoing health concerns. The ban reflects a growing trend towards eliminating potentially harmful additives from food products.