On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned the food dye Red 3, a move that comes nearly 35 years after it was prohibited in cosmetics due to cancer risks.

This decision was supported by nearly two dozen Congress members who emphasized the need to protect children, who consume more of the dye relative to their body weight compared to adults.

Consumer health advocates have raised concerns about Red 3, linking it to potential hyperactivity in children, particularly those diagnosed with ADHD.

The ban reflects the FDA's broader commitment to consumer safety and transparency, encouraging individuals to review food labels and make informed dietary choices.

This action is part of a larger trend in the U.S. focusing on food safety, driven by scrutiny from lawmakers and public health advocates.

Registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein expressed support for the ban, highlighting the synthetic dye's long-standing presence in various food items, including candies and cereals.

The decision follows two years of advocacy for the removal of Red 3, with proponents arguing for the use of natural colorings instead.

Christy Herrmann, owner of Sweet Divas Chocolates, emphasized the importance of using safe ingredients for her customers, reflecting a growing consumer demand for healthier options.

Experts recommend moderation in consuming foods containing synthetic dyes, noting that the overall amount of dye consumed is generally small for most individuals.

Thomas Galligan from the Center for Science in the Public Interest stated that removing harmful additives like Red 3 is crucial for consumer protection.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appointed by Donald Trump, criticized the FDA's previous inaction on harmful additives, echoing sentiments from public health experts.

Historically, the FDA's focus has been more on infectious diseases in food safety rather than on food additives and environmental contaminants.