Senator Marshall, Make America Healthy Again Caucus React to FDA’s Red Dye Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Marshall, M.D., the Chair of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, and his colleagues released the following statements after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned Red No. 3 from foods, dietary supplements and ingested medicines. 

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.

“The FDA has no excuse for waiting over 30 years to ban red dye. It took President Trump and RFK Jr. sounding the alarm to prompt the FDA to take action. With President Trump back in the White House and MAHA as a priority, we will make top down reforms to the FDA, prioritizing transparency and expediency when it comes to Americans’ health,” Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. said.

“Last month, I demanded answers from FDA officials on why Red Dye No. 3 is banned in cosmetics while being allowed in our foods. 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,” Senator Tommy Tuberville said.

“As a member of the MAHA Caucus, and Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, my top priority is making sure Americans have the best information available to keep themselves safe and healthy, and I’m glad to see this positive step. I look forward to working with President Trump, his nominee for HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and my colleagues on the caucus to bring more transparency and information to the federal government as we Make America Healthy Again,” Senator Rick Scott said.

“America is sicker than ever, and President Trump has made it a priority to address America’s chronic disease epidemic,” said Lummis. I am partnering with Dr. Roger Marshall to make America healthy again and hold the federal agencies who have failed the American people accountable,” Senator Cynthia Lummis said.

“I’m pleased to see the FDA stand up to pressure from food companies and ban a substance that harms the public, especially our children. We must confirm RFK Jr. so we can expose any harmful practices in the food and drug industry and hold our federal health agencies accountable,” Senator Ron Johnson said.

“I applaud the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to ban Red No. 3 from American food products by 2027; however, this ruling is 30 years too late,” House of Representatives, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus Co-Chair, John Joyce, M.D. said. “Thirty years ago, once Red. No. 3 was linked to cause cancer, it was banned from cosmetic products. The delay in implementing a similar ban for food products shows the need for change at the FDA, a change that I am confident President Trump will bring in the months ahead.”

“Red dye number three was banned for use in cosmetics over thirty years ago for being linked to causing cancer in animal test subjects, but the FDA has only now decided to take action to prevent it being used in foods or drugs. This is exactly what the MAHA movement is working towards—advancing a national conversation and review of federal policies to take a good look at what is in Americans’ foods that could affect their wellbeing and address a real public health emergency. With declining life expectancy, rising incidences of chronic diseases, and high rates of obesity, we must act now. I look forward to working with the MAHA Caucus in collaboration with the incoming Trump administration to improve Americans’ health,” House of Representatives, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus Co-Chair, Lloyd Smucker said.

“The decision by the FDA to ban Red Dye 3 is a critical and long-overdue step toward protecting Americans. It’s past time that we prioritize the well-being of our families over harmful chemicals in our food and products. The Make America Healthy Again Caucus will continue to fight for safer, healthier options for all. This is just the beginning—we will keep pushing for a healthier America,” Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. said.

“Food is medicine, and the incoming Trump-Vance Administration is already showing leadership by calling attention to cancer-causing food dyes. Banning Red No. 3 is a commonsense move that should have been made decades ago. This is just the start of four great years of Making America Healthy Again,” Rep. Buddy Carter said.

“President Trump hasn’t even taken office yet, and we are already seeing the effects of his election,” Congressman Nick Langworthy said. “The FDA could have taken action sooner, but they knew that under the leadership of President Trump and his focus to Make America Healthy Again that actions like this were imminent. I welcome this move by the FDA and I can’t wait to continue to work with the Make America Healthy Again caucus to pass legislation to help make our country and communities healthy again.”

“The FDA’s recent ban of Red No. 3 is a great first step in making America healthy again. I look forward to seeing what President Trump and RFK Jr. will do to further the MAHA movement,” Rep. William Timmons said.

“If a substance isn’t safe to put on your skin due to its carcinogenic effects, it’s probably not safe to consume. Until now, the FDA has simply looked the other way and allowed our children to eat food with Red Dye 3 in it. While it’s a couple of decades too late, I’m pleased to see the FDA taking their lead from President-elect Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to set the stage for the next administration’s healthcare priorities. It’s time to Make America Healthy Again,” Rep. Vern Buchanan said.

BACKGROUND:

• Red Dye No. 3 is a petroleum-based additive used to give food and drugs a bright cherry-red color.
• In 1990, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs due to evidence it caused cancer in male laboratory rats.
• Despite this, the FDA allowed its continued use in food and ingested drugs in the United States.
• By January 2027 food manufacturers must remove Red Dye No. 3 from their products.
• The dye is already banned in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

The MAHA Caucus members includes Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) as well as Representatives John Joyce (R-PA-13), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Troy Balderson (R-OH-12), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), David Rouzer (R-NC-07), Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) and William Timmons (R-SC-04).