The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on the use of Red Dye No. 3 in foods, drinks, and medication, effective immediately. The decision comes after studies linked the dye to cancer in male rats. The ban gives food manufacturers until January 15th, 2027, to reformulate their products without Red Dye No. 3, while drugmakers have until January 18th, 2028.

Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is commonly used in certain candies, desserts, frostings, and other treats to give them a bright, cherry-red color. The FDA's move to ban the dye is a significant step towards ensuring consumer safety, particularly in light of existing restrictions in California and the European Union.

The FDA's decision is based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), which requires the agency to ban foods that induce cancer in humans or animals. While studies involving other animals and humans did not show a link between Red Dye No. 3 and cancer, the FDA has taken a precautionary approach to protect public health.

Consumers can check if a food product contains Red Dye No. 3 by reviewing the ingredient list or using food databases from the US Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Working Group. According to Amanda Beaver, a wellness dietician at Houston Methodist Hospital, some foods that may use Red Dye No. 3 include certain fruit cocktails, candy corns, protein shakes, ice pops, sausages, lollipops, puddings, vegetarian meats, bacon bits, strawberry milk, jellybeans, candies, colored beverages, and strawberry ice cream bars.

The FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3 comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, and it is worth noting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Service, has previously expressed concerns about food dyes and other potentially harmful additives.

The implications of this ban are far-reaching, with food manufacturers and drugmakers required to reformulate their products to meet the new regulations. The move is also likely to have a ripple effect on the food industry, with consumers increasingly demanding safer and healthier options. As the FDA continues to prioritize consumer safety, this ban serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous testing and regulation in the food industry.

In the broader context, the FDA's decision highlights the ongoing debate about the use of artificial additives in food products. With growing concerns about the impact of food dyes on human health, this ban may be just the beginning of a larger shift towards safer and more sustainable food options.