The US Food and Drug Administration has banned the Red 3 dye from food supply due to potential cancer risk.
According to AP News, the ban removes the dye from the list of approved colour additives in foods, dietary supplements and oral medicines. The action came after some studies found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats.
Food manufacturers are required to remove the dye from their products by January 2027, while the deadline for drug makers is January 2028. Imported foods must also meet the new requirements.
As there was no evidence the dye can cause cancer when consumed by humans, it might face legal challenges from food manufacturers.
The International Association of Color Manufacturers said the dye is safe at levels typically consumed by humans, citing research by scientific committees operated by the UN and the WHO.
Meanwhile, health advocates praised the FDA’s latest decision after they had called for the ban for years.
The Red 3 dye, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No 3, has already been banned from cosmetics and externally applied drugs since 1990.
It is also banned for food use in Europe, Australia and New Zealand except in certain kinds of cherries and will be banned in California starting in January 2027.
