Key Points of the Ban

The Obvious Reason:
The FDA has finally admitted what scientists have been saying for years—red dye No. 3 causes thyroid tumors in male rats. Under the Delaney Clause, a 1958 law prohibiting carcinogens in food additives, the agency had no choice but to act. But let’s face it: this should’ve been done decades ago.

Compliance Deadlines

• Food Products: Companies have until January 15, 2027, to eliminate the dye. That’s two more years of adding this questionable chemical to our snacks.
• Ingested Drugs: Manufacturers have an even longer grace period—January 18, 2028—to phase out the dye. Apparently, even our cough syrup needs extra time to go au naturel.

What’s Affected?

This dye is everywhere: candies, snack cakes, maraschino cherries, frostings, gummy vitamins, and cough syrups. If it’s neon-red, chances are it’s laced with red dye No. 3. Popular products like Nesquik strawberry milk and Starburst-flavored Fruit by the Foot are now scrambling for alternatives.

A History of Neglect

Here’s the kicker: red dye No. 3 was banned from cosmetics and topical drugs back in 1990 for causing cancer in rats. Yet for some inexplicable reason, the FDA allowed its use in food and ingested drugs for over 30 years. How does that even make sense?

Industry Spin

Predictably, the International Association of Color Manufacturers defends the dye, insisting it’s “safe” at typical consumption levels. They even point to a 2018 review by the United Nations and World Health Organization as evidence. But let’s not forget: these are the same groups profiting from its continued use.

Broader Implications

Consumer Advocacy Wins (Finally):
Health advocates are hailing this as a monumental victory. But let’s not break out the champagne just yet. The fact that it took this long to ban a known carcinogen speaks volumes about our flawed regulatory system.

Global Shame:
While the U.S. dragged its feet, the European Union banned red dye No. 3 back in 1994. That’s right—Europe has protected its citizens from this chemical for over 30 years. Why is the U.S. always playing catch-up?

Industry’s Half-Hearted Efforts:
Some companies, like Ferrara (maker of Brach’s candies) and Just Born (producer of PEEPS), have already begun switching to alternatives like beet juice or carmine. But let’s be honest: they only acted because they saw the writing on the wall.

What You Can Do

Read the Labels:
Look for red dye No. 3 listed as FD&C Red No. 3, Red 3, or erythrosine on ingredient labels. If you spot it, put the product back on the shelf. Don’t wait for the ban to take full effect—protect yourself now.

Demand Better:
While this ban is a step forward, it’s a stark reminder of how broken our food safety system is. Why are we still allowing questionable chemicals in our food in the first place?

The FDA’s decision is a win, but it’s also a wake-up call. How many more harmful additives are lurking in our food, waiting for regulators to finally take action?