Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, has been a part of the American food landscape since its initial approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1907. This synthetic color additive, derived from petroleum, was introduced at a time when food dyes were beginning to replace natural colorants, providing manufacturers with the ability to enhance the visual appeal of their products. Initially, its use was not regulated as stringently as today, reflecting the early 20th-century attitudes towards food safety and additives, where vibrant colors were prized over potential health concerns.
 

Over the decades, Red Dye No. 3 became ubiquitous in various food items, from candies and beverages to cakes and snacks, making it one of the most commonly used artificial colors in the U.S. By 1960, following the passage of the Color Additives Amendment by Congress, the FDA officially listed Red Dye No. 3 for use in food, further cementing its place in the American diet. This amendment required that all color additives be deemed "suitable and safe" for their intended use, yet despite this, concerns about the dye’s safety persisted, especially after studies in the 1980s linked it to cancer in laboratory animals.
 

Today, on January 15, 2025, the FDA has announced the ban of Red Dye No. 3 from use in food, dietary supplements, and ingested drugs, a move that aligns with the agency's commitment to public health safety. This decision comes in the context of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s upcoming confirmation hearing for his potential role as Health and Human Services Secretary, where his criticisms of artificial food dyes were expected to be a significant talking point. By addressing the issue of Red Dye No. 3, the FDA effectively removes this particular concern from the discussion, potentially simplifying Kennedy's confirmation process by tackling a long-standing public health issue. This ban concludes a contentious history of the dye in the U.S., which has spanned well over a century.