A decision on Red No. 3, the synthetic coloring made from petroleum, could come in the next few weeks.

Summary

The FDA is considering banning Red No. 3 and potentially Red No. 40, artificial dyes used in food and beverages, amid growing safety concerns.

Red No. 3, already banned in cosmetics for being carcinogenic in high doses, has faced scrutiny over links to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children.

While the FDA maintains these dyes are safe under current guidelines, states like California and Illinois have passed laws to restrict them, potentially pressuring manufacturers to reformulate nationwide.

Critics argue the U.S. lags behind Europe in post-market chemical safety reviews.