The US Food and Drug Administration said it is banning the use of controversial Red No. 3—a synthetic food colour that makes it a bright cherry but is linked to cancer in animals.

The dye is used in thousands of foods—like candy, cereals, cherries in fruit cocktails, and strawberry-flavoured milkshakes—according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food safety advocacy group that petitioned the agency in 2022 to end its use. CSPI says nearly 10,000 food items are loaded with the dye, including hundreds of products made by large food companies.

However, the FDA is not stopping the use of other artificial dyes, including Red No. 40, linked to behavioural issues in children. “At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the CSPI. The agency banned additives in cosmetics in 1990 under the Delaney Clause, a federal law that requires the FDA to ban food additives that are found to cause or induce cancer in humans or animals.

Food manufacturers will have until Jan. 15, 2027, to reformulate their products. Companies that make ingested drugs, such as dietary supplements, will get an additional year.

"The FDA cannot authorise a food additive or colour additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals," Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy director for human foods, said in a statement. "Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3.

Made from petroleum, Red No. 3 was approved for use in foods in 1907. Even though the FDA has been working for decades to g the dye from getting banned, there have been several studies that found tumours in male rats who were exposed to high doses.

There are also concerns about whether artificial colours in food may affect behaviour of children. In 2011, the FDA reviewed the possible link between artificial dyes and hyperactivity in children. It, however, determined that there was no relationship between the two. Although the FDA is now revoking its approval, ending its use nationwide, other states have already taken action.

California in 2023 became the first state to ban Red No. 3 and several other food additives linked to potential health problems.

• Marshmallows and candies like Brach's Candy Corn and Pez Candy Assorted Fruit
• Fruit drinks, coloured beverages, sodas, or cocktails
• Cakes and cupcakes
• Certain protein shakes
• Select energy drinks
• Flavoured puddings
• Certain bacon bits and sausages

Things to take care of

According to experts, till the ban comes into force, make sure to:

Start checking ingredient lists for Red Dye No. 3, FD&C Red No. 3, or erythrosine, especially in foods children love, like gummies, cereals, and brightly coloured drinks.

Many brands have already ditched artificial dyes for natural alternatives like beet juice or turmeric.

Make it a team effort with your kids to understand the side effects of artificial food colours. It is important to show them how to spot Red Dye No. 3 on labels and explain why they should avoid it.

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