One of the most common food colorings has been banned

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 20. 10:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday banned the widely used, carcinogenic food coloring Red Dye 3 from foods, icings, candy and pharmaceuticals. The decision was based on evidence that the dye caused cancer in rats, leading to a zero-tolerance ban. Manufacturers have until 2027 to switch to other dyes, while the pharmaceutical industry has until 2028.

The decision was prompted by a petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which highlighted the dye’s potential health effects on children and adults. CSPI President Peter Lurie welcomed the move but called it overdue. He also pointed to previous regulatory inconsistencies, according to which the dye was banned in cosmetics but remained permitted in foods, such as candy for children, VG points out.

To replace Red Dye 3, manufacturers have already switched or are planning to switch to Red Dye 40, which is considered a healthier alternative because it has not been proven to cause cancer. However, this additive is not without criticism: according to studies, it can cause intestinal disorders in mice, and in the UK, it can cause hyperactivity in children. California has already banned this dye in schools, which also makes the future of Red Dye 40 uncertain.

The ban does not only affect American manufacturers, but food imported into the country must also be Red Dye 3-free. Some companies, such as Dole, have already phased out the use of the dye in their fruit-based products by 2023, while others are still working to develop alternatives. The decision is an important step in food safety, but concerns about substitutes could pose new regulatory challenges for both authorities and manufacturers.