FDA Bans Red Dye 3 Foods: On Wednesday the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it is banning the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives food and beverages its bright red cherry color. The reason being, it has been linked to cancer in animals. The dye is used in many foods, including candy. cereals, cherries in fruit cocktails and strawberry-flavored milkshakes, notes the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food safety advocacy group that petitioned FDA in 2022 to end its use. As per the reports, more than 9,200 food items contain the dye, including many big companies, said CSPI. The data was collected on the based of Agricultural Department data. While Red Dye No. 3 has been banned, the FDA is not prohibiting any other artificial dyes, including Red No. 40, which has been linked to behavioral issues in children.What Exactly is Red Dye No. 3?It was first approved for food use in 1907, and is made from petroleum. For the first time in 1980s, after a study was published that linked possible carcinogenic with this dye is what made the agency aware of the cancer causing elements in the food color. The study found that male rats who were exposed to high dose of Red Dye No.3, had tumors.What Foods Have Red Dye No. 3? It is also known as erythrosine or red dye 3 and is mostly used in baked goods, candies, fruit products and beverages. The additive has also been used in cough syrups, gummy vitamins and many such supplements to give it a bright red color. Some manufactures have already phased out using the dye, instead of the Red No. 3, they use Red Dye No. 40, however, as mentioned, it also found links with behavioral issues in children and the additive was banned in California schools as of last year. Apart from that, another study linked it to an increase in bowel disorder in mice. Many US lawmakers have long urged FDA to revoke Red No.3, and cited instances and evidences that its use in beverages, dietary supplements, cereals and candies could cause cancer and affect children's behavior.“At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the CSPI.The Timeline Of Ban The agency had already banned additive in cosmetics in 1990 under the Delaney Clause, a federal law that required the FDA to ban food additives that are found to cause or induce cancer in humans or animals.It had been banned in cosmetics 35 years ago, along with in food products in California in October 2023. It is also restricted in countries outside the US, like Australia, New Zealand and the European Union.For now, food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate their products, whereas companies that make dietary supplements or other ingested drugs will get an additional year. FDA's deputy director for human food, Jim Jones said, "The FDA cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in human or animals. Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3."