Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Statement on FDA Ban of Red No. 3 Food Dye

January 15, 2025 – Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, released the following statement on today's news that the FDA is banning Red No. 3 Food Dye.

"Making America's food supply healthier is a great step toward improving public health, reducing chronic diseases, and fostering a stronger, more resilient society. However, it is important to note that no one ingredient or food increases cancer risk. It is the amounts and patterns of food consumed over time, along with other genetic and lifestyle factors, that influence health risk.

The FDA's decision to ban the use of Red No. 3 helps address food safety concerns, but the Academy urges the federal government to—in addition to putting limitations on potentially harmful ingredients—support policies that help bolster sustainable agriculture, reduce food waste, and ensure equitable access to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Having access to a robust, healthy food supply is not a mere luxury but a necessity.

We have the chance to mitigate diet-related health issues that cost our nation millions of lives and billions of dollars in healthcare spending. The only way to achieve this is through a collaborative, interprofessional approach that includes policymakers working closely with registered dietician nutritionists (RDNs) and other partners to implement policy changes that reduce health inequity and increase the accessibility of nutritious foods."

About the Academy
Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.