The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced a ban on red dye No. 3, or erythrosine, from foods and oral medications due to a potential cancer risk.

Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye (Red 3) from their products, and drug makers have until January 2028, the Associated Press reports.

The dye was removed from cosmetics nearly 35 years ago because of the same cancer-related concerns.

The FDA bans red food coloring due to potential cancer risks

Following the announcement of the new ban on Wednesday, nutritionists and other health experts applauded the removal of the additives from the American food supply.

Red 3 is found in a variety of foods, most commonly sweets and colorful candies. (iStock)

Los Angeles-based registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein shared her excitement that the FDA is “finally” banning the synthetic dye that has been found in strawberry-flavored candy, cereal and drinks for “far too long.”

“The crazy thing is that this decision came more than three decades after the same dye was banned in cosmetics like lipstick because there was enough evidence linking it to cancer in animals,” she told Fox News Digital.

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“Consumer groups and researchers have been pushing for this change for years, citing not only cancer risks but also possible links to hyperactivity and ADHD in children.”

A certified holistic nutritionist (not pictured) warned that red dye No. 3 appears in some products “you would never expect.” (iStock)

Robin DeCicco, certified holistic nutritionist and founder of The Power of Food Education, based in New York, commented that “it’s time” to ban Red 3.

“It never made sense to me why the dye was removed from lipsticks and blushers 30 years ago but was allowed in our food supply,” she reiterated to Fox News Digital. “There has been evidence for decades that the dye causes cancer in rats.”

“Our children deserve better and it is frustrating that it has taken so long to take action.”

Muhlstein said that while the ban was an “obvious victory for public health,” she was still “frustrated” that it took so long.

“The FDA became aware of the risks in the 1980s, and other countries, such as the EU, banned red dye No. 3 years ago,” she noted. “Yet major food manufacturers have lobbied hard to delay this decision because these artificial colors are cheap, convenient and profitable.”

According to experts, red dye No. 3 is often used to flavor strawberries. (iStock)

The dye is often used in products marketed primarily to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals.

“Our children deserve better and it is frustrating that it has taken so long to take action,” Muhlstein added.

“Stay informed”

Muhlstein commented that while the ban was a “step forward,” it was also a reminder to “stay on top of what we feed our families.”

Experts say red dye #3 is found in other products that aren’t as obvious, including some packaged vegan meats, fruit cups, mini muffin snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice and sugar-free water flavors.

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DeCicco urged consumers to always read the ingredients list and look for natural substitutes for these products.

The dye has been widely used in products marketed primarily to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals. (iStock)

“It’s not about deprivation or restriction – I always say it’s about eating foods with quality ingredients,” she said. “The ingredients are more important than anything else, and they’re out there.”

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“I have worked with many families with children with ADHD, and eliminating sugar and artificial food colors and additives can in some cases relieve symptoms (as part of treatment),” DeCicco added.

Colorful food without carcinogens

While nutritionists recommend consumers stay away from foods that contain red dye or erythrosine on the label, there are healthier, natural alternatives to make eating fun.

According to nutritionists, using alternatives to red dyes like pomegranate juice or fruit powder can help make eating fun. (iStock)

Muhlstein recommends adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice to a baking recipe, such as a vanilla cake, to give the dough a natural red tone.

She also suggests mixing crushed, freeze-dried strawberries into white frosting or whipped cream.

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“Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder and even pureed raspberries are also great alternatives,” she added.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.