The FDA has prohibited the use of red food dye due to its potential link to cancer.

On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited the use of red dye, known as Red 3 or Erythrosine, in foods, dietary supplements, and ingested medications.

By January 2027, food manufacturers must remove dye from their products, while drug manufacturers have until January 2028 to do so, AP stated.

All foods imported into the U.S. from other countries will be subject to the new regulation.

The FDA is revoking the authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 in food and drugs, as announced by Jim Jones, the FDA's deputy commissioner for human foods.

"According to research, male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 in the lab show signs of cancer, but this method of cancer formation does not occur in humans."

The FDA states that the synthetic dye, derived from petroleum, is used as a color additive in food and drugs to give them a "bright cherry-red color."

The Delaney Clause was invoked in the petition to prohibit the use of the dye, which stipulates that the FDA cannot deem a color additive safe if it has been shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Nearly 35 years ago, cosmetics had their dye removed due to the potential cancer risk it posed.

The FDA's decision to remove the unsustainable double standard that banned Red 3 from lipstick but permitted it in candy is a welcome, but long overdue, action, according to Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which led the petition effort, as reported by AP.

According to Food Scores, a database of foods compiled by the Environmental Working Group, nearly 3,000 foods contain Red No. 3.

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The Center for Science in the Public Interest, along with 23 other organizations and scientists, presented a petition to remove Red No. 3 from foods, supplements, and medications.