A red food dye linked to causing cancer may finally be banned for consumption in the US. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Deputy commissioner has confirmed that they intend to finalise a decision on the banning of Red Dye No. 3, after pressure from members of Congress.

Last month, 22 members of Congress signed a letter asking for the FDA to ban the use of Red Dye No. 3 in foods. “Let me say this,” said Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville. “Red 3 has been known to cause cancer in cosmetics, but we still allow it to be put in our food. . . I don’t understand that.”

In 1990, the FDA banned the use of red dye in cosmetic products, due to a study that found it caused cancer in rats. The dye has also been linked to causing behavioural issues in children, including ADHD. The letter sent on 25 November cited a clause in the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which states that the FDA must ban any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals. However, the FDA still authorises the use of the dye in foods.

The European Union, UK and Australia are a few countries that already have bans on the consumption of Red Dye No. 3. And in October 2023, the state of California followed suit by banning the food dye, superseding the FDA's current rule that allows small amounts in food. According to a database from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the dye can be found in nearly 3000 food products that are in circulation in the US and is found mainly in candy.

At a health committee meeting with the US Senate last week, the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Jim Jones, confirmed they intend to come to a decision soon.