Tuberville applauds FDA's Decision to Ban Dangerous Red Dye No. 3 from Foods

January 17, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, applauded a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to officially ban Red No. 3 from foods, dietary supplements and ingested medicines. Europe has had this ban in place for years due to studies indicating that the commonly used red dyes were a cancer risk.

Thie FDA had largely ignored these studies until Sen. Tuberville brought up the subject during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing in December 2024. Tuberville pressed top FDA officials on the long-term effects of using harmful chemicals in the American food and beverage industry. When pressed the FDA officials admitted that they had not looked at those studies or reviewed red dye number 3 in years. The FDA had previously banned the dye in lip stick; but had not gotten around to considering its potential health consequences in foods and medicines.

"Last month, I demanded answers from FDA officials on why Red Dye No. 3 is banned in cosmetics while being allowed in our foods," Sen. Tuberville said. "Glad to see the FDA finally use some common sense. I will keep working with Robert F. Kennedy and the MAHA Caucus to Make America Healthy Again."

The MAHA Caucus is a bicameral initiative that is focused on working with the Trump Administration to focus on nutrition, and access to affordable, high-quality-nutrient-dense foods and primary care. Members of the caucus look forward to addressing the root causes of chronic diseases and creating a healthier, stronger nation with President Trump and HHS nominee RFK Jr.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.