Valentine’s Day treats might be looking different soon as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced a ban on Red No. 3, a vibrant dye responsible for the bright, cherry-red color in numerous food and beverage products. This decision comes after years of advocacy and concerns linking the additive to potential health risks, including cancer and behavioral issues, particularly in children.
What is Red Dye No. 3 and Why is it Being Banned?
Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. It’s prized for its ability to impart a vivid, cherry-red hue to food and drinks, making them more visually appealing. Interestingly, this dye was already banned from use in cosmetics back in 1990 due to evidence suggesting it could cause cancer in laboratory animals at high doses.
The recent ban on Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs is a direct response to a color additive petition filed in 2022. Advocates raised concerns about studies indicating a link between Red No. 3 and cancer, specifically in male lab rats, as well as potential behavioral problems in children. While the FDA acknowledges that human exposure levels are generally lower than those used in animal studies showing adverse effects, they are taking a precautionary approach. It’s important to note that Red No. 3 is also largely prohibited in the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, highlighting a global trend towards stricter regulations on this particular food dye.
Bright red candies, a common culprit for containing Red Dye No. 3, now face reformulation due to the FDA ban on this food coloring additive.
A Brief History of Food Color Additives and Regulations
The use of color additives in food is not a new phenomenon. Historically, artificial coloring of food dates back centuries. The first synthetic food dye emerged in 1856, pioneered by chemist William Henry Perkin. Initially derived from by-products of coal processing, these synthetic dyes quickly became widespread. By the early 1900s, artificially colored foods, drugs, and cosmetics were commonplace in the United States.
However, concerns about the safety of these additives soon arose. In 1906, Congress passed the Food and Drugs Act in response to harmful ingredients in many products. Later, in 1950, incidents of children falling ill after consuming orange Halloween candy colored with Orange No. 1 prompted further scrutiny. This led to hearings led by U.S. House Representative James Delaney regarding the potential carcinogenicity of food additives and pesticide residues. The “Color Additive Amendments of 1960” followed, resulting in stricter regulations and the removal of some color additives from the market. Despite these regulations, Red No. 3 has remained in use until this recent ban, showcasing the evolving understanding and regulation of food dyes over time.
Which Foods and Products Contain Red Dye No. 3?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that over 3,000 products currently contain Red No. 3. While a comprehensive list is extensive, some common categories and examples include:
- Candies: Many popular candies utilize Red No. 3 to achieve their vibrant red and pink colors. Examples include Pez Assorted Fruit, Brach’s Candy Corn, Jelly Belly jelly beans, Brach’s conversation hearts, and Favorite Day Cupid gummy boxes, particularly those marketed for Valentine’s Day.
- Desserts and Snacks: Red No. 3 can be found in a variety of desserts and snack foods. This includes items like Entenmann’s Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins, Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot, toaster pastries, and cookies that feature red icing or decorative elements.
- Dairy and Frozen Treats: Certain dairy and frozen desserts incorporate Red No. 3. This category includes some ice cream flavors, frozen yogurt varieties, ice pops, and fruit bars, especially those with strawberry, cherry, or raspberry flavors.
- Fruit Products: Processed fruit products like Maraschino cherries, known for their bright red color, and certain fruit cocktails often contain Red No. 3.
- Beverages: Some beverages, particularly flavored milk such as strawberry milk, as well as certain sodas and fruit drinks, may use Red No. 3 for coloring.
- Medications: It’s not just food; Red No. 3 is also used in some medications. This includes certain cough syrups, gummy vitamins, and even nutritional drinks like strawberry-flavored PediaSure.
When Will the Red Dye No. 3 Ban Take Effect?
The FDA has set specific timelines for manufacturers to comply with the ban. For food products containing Red No. 3, the deadline for reformulation is January 15, 2027. Manufacturers using Red No. 3 in ingested drugs have a slightly longer timeframe, with a deadline of January 18, 2028, to remove the dye from their products. This provides companies with a transition period to find suitable alternatives and adjust their formulations.
This ban marks a significant step in food safety regulation and reflects ongoing concerns about the potential health impacts of artificial food dyes like Red No. 3. Consumers can expect to see changes in the ingredients lists of their favorite red-colored products in the coming years as manufacturers adapt to these new regulations and seek safer coloring alternatives.
