Close
Photo:Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell collage/Cassie Basford.
Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell collage/Cassie Basford.
The Food and Drug Administration just announced a ban on food dye Red No. 3, per a constituent update published today.The ban is in response to a 2022 color additive petition to remove the dye from food and drug products on the market.
In two studies listed in the petition, Red No. 3 was linked to cancer in laboratory male rats after heavy exposure to the food dye.While there is no evidence that red dye 3 can cause cancer in humans or other animals, according to the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the use of food or color additives that could potentially cause cancer in either humans or animals is prohibited. Therefore, the FDA is declaring a ban on the dye.
The Hidden Health Risks of Food Dyes
In the meantime, it will take years for Red No. 3 to be fully off the market. Do you need to avoid the foods that contain Red No. 3? Our dietitian and nutrition editorJessica Ball, M.S., RD, is weighing in with her thoughts.
“I think it’s positive that the FDA holds consumer safety in high regard and made this decision with that in mind. However, there is limited scientific evidence (and no evidence on humans) about the health risks of Red No. 3,” clarifies Ball. “If you want to avoid it for personal reasons prior to when it is fully off the market, feel free to do so. That said, I don’t think it should be a major cause for concern for most people. In general, focusing on adding more nourishing foods to your diet—like produce, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins—is more beneficial than just focusing on what you want to avoid.”
Pearl Milling Company Just Recalled Pancake Mix—Here’s What to Know
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA to revoke authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Food additive and color additive petitions under review or held in abeyance.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA to revoke authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Food additive and color additive petitions under review or held in abeyance.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA to revoke authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Food additive and color additive petitions under review or held in abeyance.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA to revoke authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Food additive and color additive petitions under review or held in abeyance.
