Red Dye No. 3 banned, but still in many foods

The US Food and Drug Administration has banned Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food coloring linked to thyroid cancer in rats. Companies have until 2027 or 2028 to remove it from their products, allowing continued use for now. Red Dye No. 3 is found in various foods, including Brach's candy and Good Humor desserts. A database lists over 3,000 products containing the dye, which has been banned in cosmetics since 1990 but remained legal in food. Alternatives to Red No. 3 include natural colorings like carmine and beet extracts. Some manufacturers, like Keurig Dr Pepper, are already reformulating products to eliminate the dye ahead of the deadline.