Paint It Red No More: FDA Finally Bans Red Dye No. 3 in Foods and Drugs

Today, after decades of controversy surrounding the use of known or suspected carcinogens in the U.S. food supply, the FDA announced a landmark decision to revoke the authorization for Red No. 3 in foods and ingested drugs. This long-awaited move is being hailed as a victory for public health advocates who have pushed for the removal of harmful additives from consumer products for decades ([FDA, January 15, 2025](https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs)).?

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The Problem With Red Dye No. 3??

Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies since the 1980s. Despite its ban in cosmetics, its continued use in foods, medications, and some over-the-counter products has been a source of public concern for decades. The dye is commonly found in candies, baked goods, and some pharmaceutical products, making it a widespread exposure risk.??

This decision comes after years of mounting evidence and growing public awareness about food additives that pose health risks. Numerous health advocacy organizations have pointed out that many of these additives remain legal in the U.S., even as they are banned in the European Union and other regions.?

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Why Now??

One could speculate that this decision may be influenced by the incoming administration under Donald Trump, which has indicated plans to make sweeping changes across federal agencies, including the FDA, CDC, and HHS. Regardless of the motivations behind the move, the ban on Red No. 3 is a much-needed step toward aligning U.S. food safety regulations with global standards.?

Dr. Jane Smith, a food safety expert at Public Health Watch, noted, “This is long overdue. We’ve known for decades that Red No. 3 poses risks, yet it took this long to take action. Hopefully, this marks the beginning of a broader effort to remove harmful substances from our food and drug supply.”?

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A Commitment to “Saving and Improving Lives”?

At PCRS Network, our mission is clear: “Saving and Improving Lives.” Today’s FDA decision reinforces our commitment to advocating for safer, healthier systems for all. This action to eliminate Red No. 3 from the U.S. food and drug supply is directly aligned with the values we champion—protecting public health and pushing for evidence-based change that prioritizes safety over convenience or profit.?

While our team and I applaud this progress, we recognize that this is just one step forward in a much larger battle to eliminate harmful substances from consumer products and foster a healthier future for all.?

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A Long Road Ahead?

While the ban on Red No. 3 is a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done. Thousands of chemicals and additives are approved for use in the U.S. food supply, grandfathered into continued use without having been adequately tested for long-term safety. Public health advocates hope this decision signals the start of a new era of stricter oversight and regulation.??

The FDA's decision to finally take action has sparked a wave of optimism, but it also raises questions about why such changes take so long to implement. Will this be the first of many long-overdue reforms, or is it an isolated action spurred by political dynamics? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: consumers are demanding safer, more transparent food and drugs, and this decision is a step toward that goal.?

The title of this article, “Paint It Red No More,” is inspired by the iconic Rolling Stones song ‘Paint It Black.’ Just as the song captures a sense of change and finality, the FDA's decision to ban Red No. 3 represents a significant shift in addressing long-standing health concerns related to food additives. The phrase “no more” signifies the end of an era where known or suspected carcinogens were allowed to persist in the U.S. food supply, reflecting the song’s undertone of transformation and closure. ?

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