Red Dye No. 3 was banned due to its potential link to cancer. Was the food industry in partnership with the drug manufacturers to make people sick for profit?

Animal studies conducted in the 1980s showed a connection between high doses of Red 3 and the development of tumors in male rats.

Red Dye No. 3 Timeline:

• The ban was officially announced in January 2025.
• Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to reformulate their products.
• Producers of ingested drugs (like certain cough syrups) have until January 2028 to remove the additive.
• Impact: Red Dye No. 3 was used in many foods, including candies, frostings, frozen desserts, and snack cakes.

What Can Consumers Expect?

Consumers can expect to see changes in the appearance of some of these products as manufacturers adjust their formulations.
This ban comes after years of pressure from public health organizations and consumer advocacy groups who have been urging the FDA to remove the food coloring from the food supply.