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In a huge step in making Americans healthy again just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on the color additive Red No. 3 food dye. The FDA posted on X:
“Today, the FDA is issuing an order to revoke the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition that requested the agency to review whether the Delaney Clause applied.”
Today, the FDA is issuing an order to revoke the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition that requested the agency to review whether the Delaney Clause applied. https://t.co/Qd0NFOIUz8 pic.twitter.com/Bpr6XNC8OR
— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) January 15, 2025
In the press release, FDA referred to two studies that associated Red No. 3 food dye causing tumors by disrupting “rat-specific hormonal mechanism” in male rats that were exposed to high doses. Despite this study, the FDA claims Red No. 3 food dye does not pose a cancer threat to humans and rats.
However, Red No. 3 food dye is banned in various countries, including the European Union, according to the International Association of Color Manufacturers.
With petroleum being one of the main ingredients, this specific synthetic dye is responsible for creating the vibrant red-cherry colors found in many snacks and beverages.
The FDA also reported that U.S. manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to remove or reformulate this dye in U.S. food, beverages, and drugs.
Throughout President-elect Trump’s campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr advocated to remove various artificial dyes, seed oils and processed ingredients from the U.S. food supply chain.
As the nominee for the Secretary of Health and Human Services, he will play a major role in promoting wellness, exercise, and natural ingredients as a crackdown on America’s alarming obesity and cancer rates.