US bans controversial red food dye, decades after scientists raised alar

"Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their product," the FDA said.

Breakfast cereal that comes in an asortment of colours. The FDA determined as early as 1990 that Red 3 should be banned in cosmetics because of its link to thyroid cancer in male rats. (Photo by Getty Images/AFP)