RFK Jr. Effect: FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 – Finally

The FDA caught up with countries like Australia, Japan, and some EU countries by banning red dye no. 3 in food and drinks. The FDA made this decision after discovering that it can cause cancer in lab animals, nearly 35 years after the cosmetics industry banned the red dye for being a potential cancer risk. @KathleenWinche3 via X

Consumers Celebrate: FDA's Ban on Dangerous Red Dye No. 3

The FDA has been aware of the cancerous properties of petroleum-based dyes since a study in the 1980s. Now, it’s finally getting removed from the food supply. Melanie Benesh, vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, referred to the ban as “a big win for consumers.”

“We are thrilled that the FDA has finally managed to get it over the finish line,” Melanie concluded. © ninsfirsova

When Does the Ban Start?

Although the FDA banned red dye no. 3, you can still find it in your food. Food manufacturers have a 2-year window to get rid of red dye no.3 across their foods.

Drugmakers have until January 2028 to remove the cancer-causing substance from their ingested drugs. Food companies have used red dye no. 3 for many decades as an aesthetic to give their products a bright red color. © towfiqu barbhuiya

Did RFK Jr. Push FDA to Ban Cancerous Red Dye No. 3?

Red dye no. 3 has remained in the crosshairs of consumer advocacy groups for many years. After ignoring a large public outcry for multiple years, the FDA finally took action less than one week before Trump’s inauguration.
Trump has selected RFK Jr. as his Department of Health and Human Services secretary. Social media users are claiming that the RFK Jr. Effect tipped the FDA’s hand, prompting the decision to ban red dye no. 3. @iamcaitcorrigan

Trump Will Give RFK Jr. Free Reign

RFK Jr. aims to remake the top health agencies, and he has President-Elect Trump’s full support. Trump’s X post announcing RFK. Jr.’s selection indicates the seismic impact he can have on health in America.

“The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country.” © Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Repub / USA TODAY NETWORK

America's Health Crisis: Obesity, Cancer, Additives

It’s bad, given that the U.S. outspends all countries on health care while having the lowest life expectancy among large, wealthy countries. Obesity is a major reason why. The U.S. adult obesity rate climbed from 21.2% in 1990 to 43.8% in 2022. U.S. men also have the 10th highest obesity rate in the world. The U.S. also ranked 22nd in the world for obesity among girls and 26th among boys.

Obesity leads to all kinds of health problems, including heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. A study pinpointed obesity as one of the reasons why there has been an uptick in people under 50 getting cancer. It’s important to ask why obesity has been rising in America and red dye no. 3 is only part of the problem. © Africa images