On January 23, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a groundbreaking decision to ban Red No. 3, a synthetic food dye linked to cancer in laboratory animals. The dye, also known as erythrosine, has been a staple in candies, baked goods, and snack products for decades. The ban will take full effect by January 1, 2027, giving manufacturers two years to transition their products to safer alternatives.

Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDA’s Principal Deputy Commissioner, stated during the announcement, “This decision reflects our commitment to prioritizing public health and ensuring that the food Americans consume meets rigorous safety standards.”

The move follows decades of advocacy by public health experts and organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which petitioned the FDA to take action as early as the 1980s. Red No. 3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990 after studies showed it caused thyroid cancer in rats. However, it remained widely used in food and over-the-counter medications.

The FDA’s decision comes on the heels of California’s groundbreaking law in October 2024, which became the first in the nation to restrict several controversial food additives, including Red No. 3. Laura Friedman, a California Assemblymember who spearheaded the legislation, applauded the FDA’s move, saying, “This is a victory for families nationwide, especially parents who have been advocating for safer food options for their children.”

Synthetic dyes like Red No. 3 have also been linked to behavioral issues in children, including exacerbated ADHD symptoms. Dr. Benjamin Feingold, an early proponent of dietary intervention for hyperactivity, highlighted these risks in his research as far back as the 1970s.

While human studies have not definitively proven Red No. 3’s carcinogenic effects, the precautionary ban is being hailed as a significant step forward. Mark Gottlieb, a food industry consultant, believes the ban will spur innovation. “This is an opportunity for manufacturers to embrace natural coloring agents, which consumers are increasingly demanding,” he said.

As the January 2027 deadline approaches, major food brands like Mars, Inc. and Kellogg’s are expected to lead the charge in removing Red No. 3 from their product lines. For consumers, this change marks a hopeful shift towards healthier and more transparent food production practices.