As of Wednesday January 15th the FDA officially banned Red No. 3, one of the 36 dyes in their latest evaluation. This decision was made after a lab study revealed that high exposure to the chemical caused cancer in male rats. However, the FDA deputy commissioner also noted that rats cancer from the chemical does not develop the same way in humans. Regardless, since the decision has been made any manufacturer’s use of the dye in any foods or beverages is banned.
Change Takes Time
The dye first emerged in 1906 when it was approved by the Pure Food and Drug Act. It quickly rose and became a popular food additive starting in 1920. However, at that time it was mainly based in the U.S. with nearly 3,000 pounds produced here; 47 years later that number rose to 50 tons which is about 2/3 the weight of the first space shuttles. From there on its use was standard until around 1990 when it’s adverse effects were first noticed.
The FDA conducted a study then proving it caused cancer when eaten by rats. Despite that, it was only banned for cosmetics and non oral medications. Following that decision the FDA received much backlash for allowing it to still be used in consumable products. Many pointed out how ridiculous it was that their only evidence of harm was through consumption yet it was still allowed in food. In the following years the problem only seemed to get worse with Red No. 3 products are further marketed towards children. Coincidentally, the child cancer and illness rate was also rising right along with it. In 2022 the same argument was brought up again not only by scientists but also parents, celebrities, kids, and other activists. This time around the FDA was listening and so they began their investigation into many dyes which led us to today. Currently the dye is still in use however come January 2027 it will officially be illegal for food usage. However, drug companies will get an additional year to fully remove the dye from their products.
Possible Replacements
As of current it’s likely that companies haven’t yet looked into alternatives because many of the easily accessible options are included on the 36 dyes for review. Though, it is possible that companies could use this to try and re-brand to be more health conscious by using natural colors like beet, berry, or tomato dyes. Assuming any companies choose to go this route it could prove very beneficial to their brand given the recent health craze pushed by influencers on TikTok and Facebook. It could also provide leverage to other brands currently trying to rise above. This is because parents right now are frantically searching for safe snacks for their kids. Companies like YumEarth Candy, who use natural dyes to provide delicious and safe options for kids, have already become more popular with a rise in searches since November of 2024.
Future Of Other Food Dyes
RFK Jr. has played a critical role in the push to ban food dyes. He hasn’t explicitly made any statements but based on his history it’s safe to draw the conclusion that he still stands on his views that ‘all’ food dyes need to be banned. He first made it clear about his stance in October of 2024 when he responded to the cereal dye crisis stating “The first thing I’d do isn’t going to cost you anything because I’m just gonna tell the cereal companies: Take all the dyes out of their food.” He also has repeatedly expressed that he feels the FDA is a corrupt system which is likely a reason why he’s stayed silent on the latest ban. However, with RFK, Jr. being nominated to Health and Human Services Secretary it’s possible he’s going to try and push the FDA to ban other dyes on their evaluation list. However, looking at the time provided to manufacturers to stop using Red No. 3 further bands will still take a while to enact.
Impact to Health Crisis
It’s actually quite unclear what this ban will mean for the health of many. Specifically red dyes are consumed most by children so obviously they will be most impacted but because studies have only been conducted on animals no conclusions can be drawn about how it will impact the childhood cancer rate. However, it is possible that given the presumed correlations that we’ll see improvements to children’s overall health. Additionally going back to brands like YumEarth, kids will possibly be eating healthier because their ingredients tend to be better all around. As for adults it’s far more difficult to say what if any changes we may see because there are so many confounding variables in an adults diet compared to that of a child.
Overall, looking at the current news it’s safe to assume this will mean lots of changes to the future of many brands as well as other food dyes. It’s likely that other dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are on the list next which could mean even more change for foods. If you’re interested in finding out more keep up with the ongoing evaluations of food dyes.
