The FDA is finally considering banning FD&C Red No. 3—yes, the same carcinogenic dye in your snacks, cereals, candy, and drinks since 1969. Derived from petroleum and known to cause cancer in animals, it’s taken over 50 years and countless reviews for the FDA to start taking this seriously.

Jim Jones, the FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, informed the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee last week that the agency is currently reviewing a petition to revoke the authorization of the dye. He said, “We are hopeful that within the next few weeks, we will be acting on that petition.” Hopeful? After 34 years of inaction since the dye was banned in cosmetics for causing cancer?

Even Congress is fed up. Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville pointed out the absurdity of banning Red 3 in cosmetics while keeping it in food. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro and 22 other lawmakers have demanded the FDA ban the dye outright, calling the delay “far too long.” They’re not wrong: The National Toxicology Program, the European Commission, the World Health Organization, and even California have flagged Red 3 as dangerous.

And while the FDA drags its feet, other countries have already moved on. In Canada, Kellogg’s Froot Loops cereal contains just a few simple ingredients—unlike the U.S. version, a Frankenstein’s monster of 18 or 19 additives, including Red 3.

This isn’t just about cancer. These dyes contribute to neurobehavioral issues in kids, the obesity epidemic, and a food system that values profits over health.

It’s time to stop pretending this is a “decision” and start acting like it’s an emergency. Americans deserve better than a food supply tainted with petroleum-based poisons. Grow your own food, source locally, or just say no to the chemical cocktail on grocery store shelves. We should’ve done this yesterday.