FDA May Ban Red Dye 3 From US Foods Within 'Next Few Weeks'

The Food and Drug Administration could move to ban the use of artificial red dye in U.S. food and beverages within the next few weeks following a petition made in 2022.

At the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee meeting last week, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones said the agency plans to release its resolution to an ongoing petition to revoke the approval of Red Dye 3 in food and ingested drugs.

“With Red 3, we have a petition in front of us to revoke the authorization board, and we’re hopeful that in the next few weeks we’ll be acting on that petition,” Jones shared, per NBC News.

In November 2022, several health organizations and consumer groups submitted a petition requesting that the FDA repeal regulations that permit the use of the additive made from petroleum.

Red Dye 3 was approved for use in 1969, together with Yellow Dye 5--another controversial artificial food dye. The dye has been evaluated for safety multiple times since its approval five decades ago but has not shown any health risks when used within FDA standards, the agency noted.

Artificial food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children. A 2012 study found that while artificial food colors are not the main cause of ADHD, they may "contribute significantly" to some cases of the condition. Other side effects it may cause may also be seen as a "general public health problem."

Moreover, a 2021 health assessment by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) found that consuming artificial food dyes can cause hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children.

"Evidence shows that synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in some children," explained OEHHA Director Dr. Lauren Zeise.

Should the FDA move to ban the use of Red Dye 3, this will be a significant step forward for consumer groups and health advocates who have been calling for food manufacturers to end the use of synthetic coloring on food. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's pick as Health and Human Services secretary, has also advocated for the removal of toxic artificial dye and added it as one of his top plans once he takes office.