USA prohibits the use of red paint no. 3 in food, medicine due to potential link with cancer Reuters writes

(Reuters) – The United States on Wednesday banned the use of a synthetic food coloring that gives some sweets, cakes and certain oral medications a cherry red color, after evidence that the dye causes cancer in laboratory rats.

The Food and Drug Administration banned the dye, called Red No. 3, from food items more than three decades after it was banned in cosmetics.

Consumer groups have been pushing for its ban for several years, including a petition in 2022 for a review of studies showing that high exposure to the additive can cause cancer in male rats.

“The FDA cannot approve a food additive or a color additive if it is found to cause cancer in humans or animals,” said Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for human food.

The regulator, however, said that studies in other animals and humans have not shown these effects and that the available evidence does not support claims that the use of the dye in food and oral medicines puts people at risk.

Manufacturers using Order No. 3 in food have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate their products, and manufacturers of ingested drugs have until January 18, 2028 to comply with the ban.

In a recent Senate committee hearing, lawmakers blasted FDA Commissioner Robert Califf for using food dyes, including Red No. 3.

“Food safety is the number one priority for America’s confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and adhere to FDA guidelines and safety standards,” the National Confectioners Association trade group said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the nation’s top health agency, has often spoken about reducing chemicals in food.