Federal and State Representatives Applaud FDA Ban on Red Dye No. 3 in Foods Following Decades of Advocacy

January 17, 2025 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a long-awaited ban on Red Dye No. 3,  chemically known as Erythrosine, in food, beverages, and drugs, citing its links to cancer in laboratory rats. This decision comes more than three decades after the additive was banned in cosmetics due to similar findings, marking a significant step toward enhancing food safety in the United States.

The ban will require manufacturers to phase out the use of Red Dye No. 3 by 2027, aligning the U.S. with countries like those in the European Union, where the dye has been prohibited in food products for years.

“This is a victory for public health advocates and consumers across the country,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker, who introduced S3016 in New Jersey, which seeks to prohibit the sale and manufacture of foods containing Red Dye No. 3 and other harmful additives. “The science has been clear for decades, and it’s encouraging to see the FDA take this overdue action to prioritize the health and safety of Americans, particularly children.”

Assemblywoman Shama Haider, sponsor of the Assembly counterpart bill A4132, praised the FDA’s decision and highlighted the ongoing work to protect New Jersey families. “As someone deeply committed to banning harmful chemicals in New Jersey, I applaud the FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3, a substance that has long been linked to health risks. In our legislation to clean up toxic chemicals from our food supply, this dye was at the top of the list. I’m thrilled we can now cross it off and turn our attention to the many other known chemicals still harming our communities. This is a victory for public health and a reminder of the work that lies ahead to protect our families.”

While the FDA emphasized that studies have not conclusively linked Red Dye No. 3 to cancer risks in humans, the agency noted its commitment to reevaluating older approvals of food additives in light of evolving scientific evidence.

New Jersey has been at the forefront of efforts to eliminate harmful additives from the food supply. Senator Zwicker’s bill mirrors the FDA’s action by seeking to protect residents from chemicals banned elsewhere due to documented health risks. The FDA’s decision underscores the importance of state-level initiatives to drive progress on public health issues.

“Banning Red 3 is a good first step towards getting toxic ingredients out of our foods,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This ban comes after decades of scientific evidence demonstrating the harms posed by Red 3. The FDA must move faster to reexamine other artificial food dyes and additives.”

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), said the following: “Today is a great day for parents across the country. Red Dye 3 is a known animal carcinogen and has been shown to have long-lasting neurobehavioral effects on children. Moreover, it’s been banned for use in cosmetic products for over 30 years. Simply put, this chemical certainly has no place in products that are on grocery store shelves. I applaud the FDA for doing the right thing by protecting kids and ensuring Red Dye 3 will no longer be used in our food.”

Consumer advocacy groups praised the FDA’s decision while urging further action. The Environmental Working Group noted that the ban addresses a pressing public health concern but called on regulators to tackle other synthetic dyes and additives that pose risks to health.

As New Jersey and the federal government work in tandem to ensure food safety, legislators, advocates, and consumers alike celebrate this critical step toward a healthier future.

About Bill S3016

Introduced by Senator Zwicker, S3016 seeks to prohibit the sale, manufacture, and distribution of commercial foods containing Red Dye No. 3 and other additives linked to significant health risks. The legislation aligns with international food safety standards and reflects New Jersey’s leadership in public health advocacy. For more information on S3016, please contact Kayleigh Lavornia at klavornia@njleg.org