After decades of debate, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food coloring that’s been linked to cancer in male lab rats. The decision comes after a petition filed in 2022 by advocacy groups,

Red dye No. 3 has been permissible for use in food despite the Delaney Clause of the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The clause, in part, “prohibits the FDA from approving a color additive that is ingested if it causes cancer in animals or humans when ingested,” according to the agency .

Red dye No. 3, used in drinks and snacks, could be banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the next few weeks, the Washington Post reported.

Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright red color. It is also sometimes used in oral medicines and dietary supplements. It first was approved for use in food in 1907. It's made from petroleum.

Like all color additives used in U.S. foods, Red Dye No. 3 underwent safety evaluations before receiving FDA approval in the 1960s. However, in 1990, the dye was prohibited in cos

Soon enough, American grocery stores will be free of red dye 3. On January 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it's revoked authorization of the additive, meaning it will be banned from foods and drugs.