Tag: California food safety act

In October 2023, California became the first U.S. state to outlaw four potentially harmful food additives, a landmark decision that will change ingredients for popular products sold statewide. This action highlights California's proactive approach to consumer safety and sets a precedent for other states.

Despite widespread viral rumors, Skittles are not banned in California; in fact, the popular candy was specifically exempted from the state's new food additive law, AB 418. The legislation, often misleadingly called the "Skittles ban," was signed into law in 2023 to prohibit four other food chemicals, not the ingredient found in Skittles.

As of late 2024, California was the first state to pass comprehensive legislation banning specific food additives, including Red Dye No. 3, with other states swiftly following suit. This wave of state-led food safety regulations has created a patchwork of rules across the country, forcing consumers and manufacturers to take notice of where products with red dye are banned.

In early 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on Red No. 3 for use in food and ingested drugs, providing a clear and recent answer to what food additive was banned in the United States. This ban follows similar legislative actions in states like California and highlights a growing movement toward scrutinizing the long-term health effects of synthetic ingredients.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially announced a ban on the color additive Red Dye No. 3. The decision, after decades of advocacy and previous restrictions, marks a significant change for thousands of food and ingestible drug products containing the synthetic dye.

According to the Environmental Working Group and ingredient lists from Frito-Lay, Flamin' Hot Cheetos do not contain Red Dye 3. The snack's signature fiery-red color instead comes from a different synthetic additive, Red Dye 40.

Following decades of research and advocacy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2025 revoked authorization for FD&C Red Dye No. 3, finally answering the question: "What food coloring is the FDA banning?". This federal decision targets the common cherry-red color additive known as erythrosine, signaling a major shift in the food regulatory landscape.

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs, a decision that followed decades of advocacy. This action effectively answers the question, "Is red dye no 3 banned in food?" and gives manufacturers until 2027 to reformulate their products.