America Bans Cancer-Linked Food Dye Red No. 3



A red dye used in thousands of candies, drinks, and other processed foods has been banned due to its links to cancer. Companies using Red Dye No. 3 — which creates a bright cherry-like color — must remove it from their foods. The dye is present in around 26% of baking decorations and dessert toppings, 16% of chewing gum and mints, 13% of candy, and 11% of cookies. The FDA said it was taking action as a matter of law because some studies have found that the dye has caused cancer in lab rats. Companies using the dye in drugs — such as cough syrups — will have until January 2028 to remove it. Advocacy groups have been pressuring the government to ban additives in foods some 35 years after the FDA banned it from cosmetics over health concerns. Aside from causing lab rats to develop thyroid tumors, Red Dye No. 3 has been linked to behavioral problems like hyperactivity. Items on the chopping block include the following:
 
  1. Publix Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice
  2. Market Pantry Fruit Cocktail in 100% Juice
  3. Best Choice Fruit Cocktail in 100% Juice
  4. Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (various sizes)
  5. Vigo Paella Valenciana Yellow Rice & Seafood
  6. Marich Sour Chicks and Bunnies Candy
  7. La Zagala Coconut Candy
  8. Heinz Ketchup
  9. Best Foods Mayonnaise
  10. Ken’s Steakhouse Dressings
  11. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce
  12. Moyers Farm Chocolate Caramel Apple
  13. Nassau Candy Jelly Beans
  14. Woodville Farms Canadian Style Bacon
  15. Loma Linda Low Fat Big Franks Vegan Hot Dogs
  16. Miesfeld's Beef & Pork Snack Sticks
  17. Domino Sugar (Granulated and Powdered)
  18. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
  19. Kraft Mac and Cheese
  20. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
  21. Wilcoxson's Strawberry Premium Ice Cream
  22. Selecta Ube Macapuno Purple Yam Ice Cream
  23. Iberia Spanish Style Tomato Sauce
  24. Vigo Authentic Spanish Recipe Yellow Rice
  25. Goya Guava Nectar
  26. Libby’s Pumpkin Puree
  27. Bush’s Best Black Beans
  28. Luzianne Sweetened Tea
  29. Pringles Chips
  30. Jack Links Jerky
  31. Hostess Cupcakes
  32. Amy’s Frozen Meals (variety)
  33. DiGiorno Frozen Pizza
  34. Smart Ones Frozen Dinners
  35. McCormick Black Pepper 
  36. Old Bay Seasoning 
  37. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 
  38. Doritos Chips 
  39. Lay’s Potato Chips (various flavors) 
  40. Chex Mix 
  41. Goldfish Crackers 
  42. Eggo Waffles 
  43. Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal 
  44. Nature Valley Granola Bars 
  45. Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes 
  46. Kerrygold Butter 
  47. Chobani Greek Yogurt 
  48. Philadelphia Cream Cheese 
  49. Tillamook Cheese