The Ban On Red Dye No. 3 In Food: How Food Regulations Are Changing Our Diets

On Jan. 15, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine. Many food manufacturers—especially those in Europe, Australia and New Zealand—have already removed Red Dye No. 3 from their products. The United States’ ban follows in the steps of California’s 2023 ban, which will prohibit the sale of foods containing Red No. 3 beginning in 2027.

What is Red Dye No. 3? 

Red Dye No. 3 is a synthetic colorant derived from petroleum. The dye has been used in everything from candies and beverages to processed snacks and cosmetics. Originally approved by the FDA in the 1960s, the dye quickly became popular for its bright, vibrant red hue, which added appeal to a wide variety of products.  

How to tell if Red Dye No. 3 is in Your Food: 

If your food is bright, cherry red, chances are there is Red Dye No. 3. The best way to know for sure: check the label. The FDA mandates that food manufacturers list Red No. 3 and other synthetic colors on ingredient labels. Red No. 3 may be identified as “FD&C Red No. 3,” “FD&C Red 3” or “Red 3.” As Red No. 3 is phased out, you might notice Red Dye No. 40, a similar food dye, used as a substitute. Red Dye No. 40 is not necessarily a safer option. In fact, research has shown a link between Red Dye No. 40 and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) Disorder. While this dye has been banned by California schools in 2024, it has not yet been federally banned and may still be used by manufacturers. 

Foods & Medications Containing Red Dye No. 3: 

• Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
• Sprinkles 
• Cookies with frostings and icings  
• Chewing gums and mints 
• Processed meats such as sausages and bacon 
• Strawberry flavored milk 
• Certain ice cream flavors and frozen yogurt 
• Maraschino cherries 
• Hawaiian punch and Kool-Aid 
• Certain gummy vitamins and cough syrups 
• PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids’ Ready-to-Drink Strawberry Shake 
• Medication (acetaminophen) 

For a more comprehensive list, the Environmental Working Group has compiled over 3,000 items with Red Dye No. 3. 

Why was Red Dye No. 3 Banned? 

The primary reason behind the ban on Red Dye No. 3 stems from its potential cancerous effects. In the early 1990s, studies revealed that male rats developed cancer after consuming high doses of dye. Human studies were not as clear cut, but it was enough to cause the FDA to mandate the removal of Red Dye No. 3 from cosmetics and personal care products. However, until recently, the dye remained approved for use in food products.

In recent years, the pressure to remove Red Dye No. 3 from food products has intensified. The FDA is increasing calls for a more thorough investigation into the safety of artificial food dyes and their long-term health effects. In 2021, The California Environmental Protection Agency found evidence that Red Dye No. 3 can affect children’s behavior. Out of 25 studies, more than half showed that regularly consuming artificial food coloring can increase hyperactivity and inattention.   

When Will This Ban Go into Effect? 

Food companies have until 2027 to eliminate Red Dye No. 3 from their products, and drug companies will have until 2028. Some companies are already developing natural food colorings derived from plant-based compounds like beetroot or spirulina, a blue-green algae, to make their foods more vibrant. Kraft Foods, for example, removed synthetic dyes from its mac and cheese products a decade ago, substituting with spices such as paprika and turmeric.

What this Means for Us: 

For those who grew up with brightly-colored cereals, candy and soda, the removal of Red Dye No. 3 can feel like a significant change. This push toward cleaner ingredients has encouraged food companies to be more transparent about what goes into their products. With the rise of “clean label” foods, we will have better access to information about the ingredients we are putting into our bodies. Many of us might find ourselves making healthier food choices by focusing more on nutrient-rich, minimally processed items.

The Bottom Line:

As we move toward a future with fewer artificial additives, the ban on Red Dye No. 3 reflects a larger shift in how we think about the food we eat. With food manufacturers working to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives, our diets are becoming cleaner and more health-conscious. 

That said, this does not mean you have to be scared of every food that contains dye. In a recent article she was quoted in, Dr. Jennifer Woo Baidel, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University, assures that consuming a small amount of food dye will not harm your health. So, if you are eyeing a cupcake, go ahead and indulge. Just be mindful about what you are eating, and aim for balance.

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