U.S. Senator Katie Britt is drawing attention to toxic red dye found in a large amount of foods and drinks typically consumed by Americans. The substance is regulated outside the United States, with studies labeling it a carcinogen and some indicating that it causes neurobehavioral issues in children.

In a post on X, Britt said it’s time to “raise our standards to Make America Healthy Again.”

In Europe, artificial red dye is heavily regulated and requires a label warning of its danger.

Yet, in the U.S., it’s quietly added to everyday food from protein shakes to breakfast cereal.

We need to raise our standards to Make America Healthy Again.

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 3, 2025

One dye in particular-Red No. 3 – has been found to cause thyroid cancer in laboratory animals. The FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990 but still allows it in foods. Other countries have gone a step further in limiting the substance. The European Union, Australia, and New Zealand have each banned the use of Red 3 in all products.

Red 40, another red dye variant, has been studied with researchers observing that its extended use in mice caused gut issues and raised the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

California was the first state to ban Red No. 3. in 2023.

The red dye commonly used in foods is generally produced by extracting carminic acid from an insect known as the Cochineal.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten