Cookies, concoctions and candies like Dubble Bubble could be in double trouble after the Food and Drug Administration announced a ban of Red. No. 3 food dye .
The dye gives some foods, beverages and medications its cherry-red color.
Its use is banned for more than three decades after the synthetic coloring was found to cause cancer in male laboratory rats, according to The New York Times.
Beginning in 2027, companies would have to start removing the dye from their products. Imported foods sold in the United States would also have to remove the additive.
The Hill reports medicine containing the additive will also need to be reformulated by January 2028.
The dye was first approved for use in food in 1907 and was banned in cosmetics in 1990 by U.S. regulators, the Times reported.
A USA Today report cites a list compiled by the Environmental Working Group that indicates more than 2,000 products sold in the nation in recent years contain Red No. 3.
Items include:
• Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum
• Nesquik Strawberry flavored drink
• Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bar, and other frozen desserts
• Pez
• Ring Pops
• Kroger Neapolitan ice cream
• Some brands of Maraschino cherries
• Some brands of gummy vitamins
• Some snack cakes and frostings
Environmental Working Group was one of the advocacy groups that filed a petition with the FDA.
