FDA Deputy Commissioner Signals Imminent Ban on Petroleum-Based Red Dye No. 3 over Cancer Concerns

Dec 7, 2024, 10:04 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may soon ban artificial red food dye, specifically Red No. 3, which is used in beverages, snacks, cereals, candies, sodas, and cakes. The dye, made from petroleum, gives foods and drinks a bright cherry color and has been linked to cancer. At a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee meeting on Thursday, Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, indicated that a decision is expected within the next few weeks. The potential ban follows a petition to review the safety of food dyes, which could significantly alter the American diet.