The FDA finally decided after decades of reviews that red food color is banned in the US.
There have been reviews about the safety of Nr. 3 red in Europe and it was banned for the European Union in 1994. A review article explains the process of review in detail.
Review of medical evidence
In 1969 the FDA decided to allow red color No. 3. But subsequently more and more data accumulated that this food coloring was not safe for experimental animals as it caused various cancers. By the 1990’s there was enough data to make the FDA order the removal of red color No. 3 from cosmetics and topical lotions. Despite the accumulated data the FDA continued to allow the food color in foods and medications for humans.
In 2021 the state of California noticed that red color No. 3 was causing hyperactivity in children. Subsequently they banned this food coloring for the state of California. Only pressure from consumer agencies and the State of California made the FDA reconsider their 1969 decision.
FDA revoked authorization for the use of red color No.3
On Jan. 15, 2025 the FDA published this communication. Manufacturers have to find alternative more healthy ways to produce red color that can be safely ingested. Manufacturers can still use red color No. 3 in food and ingested drugs until January 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products.
Dr. Jerold Mande, adjunct professor of nutrition at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health said the following. “Today’s action by FDA is long overdue, is a small step in the right direction, and hopefully signals a renewed effort by FDA to do its job despite the many barriers the food industry places in its way.”
The FDA has stated that red color No. 3 is a carcinogen and that it can cause cancer. This is the main reason why the FDA now declared it illegal.
How to check your food items you are about to purchase
Before you purchase any food items, check food labels. If a food item contains the color red No. 3 you see on the ingredient list the following: FD&C Red No. 3. If you see this do not buy this food item. Look for similar products without this label.
Red Food Color Is Banned in the US
Conclusion
The FDA has decided to ban the red food color No. 3 from human food products, but it will take until January 18, 2028 before all off the manufacturers will remove this food color. Many animal experiments have proven that the red food coloring is cancer producing. Researchers also showed that red food color in children causes hyperactivity syndrome. This was the reason why California removed this red food color from grocery stores in California in 2021. If you value your health, check food labels for the ingredient “FD&C Red No. 3.” If you see this, do not buy this food item.
