Those bright red foods you love to eat and drink may not be so bright red soon.

Earlier this week, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in the production of food. According to the FDA's website,

"FD&C Red No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color...among other data and information, two studies that showed cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 due to a rat specific hormonal mechanism. The way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans. Relevant exposure levels to FD&C Red No. 3 for humans are typically much lower than those that cause the effects shown in male rats. Studies in other animals and in humans did not show these effects; claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information."

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Companies that have been using red dye in their products, such as soft drinks, candy, and meat manufacturers, will have to start phasing out the use of this product within the next two to three years.

Red Snappers Traditional, W A Bean & Sons via Facebook
Red Snappers Traditional, W A Bean & Sons via Facebook
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"Manufacturers who use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products."

Maine meat manufacturer, W.A. Bean and Sons has been in the meat business for 160 years. One of its signature products, Maine's Red Snappers, has historically been made with red dye. But that will obviously need to change now.

With many Mainers wondering how this would affect a beloved Maine tradition of eating "Red Snappers," the company wanted to let folks know they have been working on a plan to ensure they wouldn't miss out on a treasured treat. They announced that plan on their Facebook Page this week.

"Since 1860, we've proudly served the state of Maine and our Maine red snappers have been a much-loved tradition. Now with the FDA's coming ban on certain red food dye, the same delicious snap and flavor is already available in our #Mainesnappers which are made with the exact same recipe, just no red food dye."

W A Bean & Sons went on to thank its loyal customers for supporting their local business and let them know they are committed to continuing to provide a good-tasting quality product.

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