Bye-Bye Red No. 3: FDA Bans Artificial Color in Foods

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally decided to say goodbye to Red No. 3, a synthetic dye used in many foods and drinks. This dye, which gives foods a bright red color, has been linked to cancer in animals. It's been used in thousands of products like candy, cereals, and even strawberry-flavored milkshakes. Food safety groups and some lawmakers have been pushing for this ban for a long time. They've pointed out that Red No. 3 could cause cancer and might even affect children's behavior. The FDA has now agreed, stating that they can't approve a food additive that causes cancer in humans or animals.Red No. 3 has been around since 1907 and is made from petroleum. Other countries like Australia and Japan have already banned it. Food manufacturers in the U. S. have until 2027 to stop using it in their products. Some companies have already taken it out of their products. The National Confectioners Association says they will follow the FDA's guidance. They want a strong FDA to ensure food safety. There are 36 FDA-approved color additives, with 9 of them being synthetic dyes. The FDA has been reviewing Red No. 3 since a group, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, asked them to. Although the FDA is now banning Red No. 3 nationwide, some states had already taken action against it. California and 10 other states have moved to ban the food dye.