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.

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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)