Despite no evidence of health harm in humans, companies scramble to phase out synthetic dyes

Food Dyes Banned

On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked authorization of Red No. 3 in food, causing it to be phased out by the end of 2027. The agency pointed to a study that found, in high doses, Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats. This invoked the Delaney Clause, prohibiting authorization by the FDA of a food or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.

This happened despite the study noting that the mechanism that caused the cancer that is not present in humans and the levels of dosage were not relevant to the levels used in human food human consumption.

Mis- and disinformation are distorting science and public policy. Subscribe to our Daily and Weekly Digests for incisive coverage of ‘disruptive’ innovations in AI, agricultural biotechnology, food, chemicals, nuclear energy, vaccines, and other disruptive innovations.

As the artificial-dye deadline approaches, companies are making announcements on whether they will be able to make or miss it. Although the push comes from the government, consumers are watching what the industry will do.

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here

Related Articles

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Does glyphosate—the world's most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans? Is it carcinogenic? Those issues are of both legal and ...

Most Popular

ChatGPT-Image-Mar-10-2026-01_39_01-PM
Viewpoint—“Miracle molecule” debunked: Why acemannan supplements don’t work
Neon Syringe Portrait with BPC-157
Viewpoint: Peptides and medical freedom: The MAHA obsession that can damage your health
Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 10.11
We're likely over-consuming the world's most profitable nutrient – and it’s wrecking our waistlines.
Screenshot 2026-07-29 at 10.40
The COVID vaccine turbo cancer scare is back. Science still proves it’s wrong.
Screenshot 2026-10-27 at 10.32
“Do your own research”: What Medicare’s annual open enrollment circus teaches us about the seductive trap of DIY health and science
Screenshot-2026-10-29-at-10.31.49-AM
Solar engineering to cool the planet might well work. Could it touch off a geoengineering arms race?
Strawberry Clamshell with Warning Sticker
Viewpoint: Activists hype ‘dangerous level’ of pesticide residues in Driscoll berries: Separating health concerns from fear-mongering
Screenshot 2026-10-20 at 1.37
Race against food rot: How AI and gene editing could slash fruit and vegetable waste
Diet Soda with Measuring Tape 2
Science challenges anti-soda activists: No, sodas won’t make you fat
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.