Synthetic food dyes are widely used to enhance the appearance of various food products, from juices to candies. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential health risks associated with these dyes, particularly red dye 3. In January 2025, the FDA officially banned the use of red dye 3 in foods, beverages, and drugs, citing the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the use of cancer-causing chemicals in food. This article will explore the history of red dye 3, its controversial use in food, and which popular foods have historically contained it.
The Controversy Surrounding Red Dye 3
Red dye 3, also known as erythrosine, has been a subject of concern for decades. The FDA banned its use in cosmetics over 30 years ago due to research indicating that high doses could cause cancer in lab animals. Despite this ban and mounting pressure from public interest groups, it took the agency until 2025 to extend the ban to its use in food, beverages, and medication.
Several countries, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, China, Japan, and New Zealand, had already banned red dye 3 in foods. In the United States, California became the first state to ban its use in food in October 2023. Other U.S. states followed suit with similar legislation. The central question was: if red dye 3 was deemed unsafe for topical application, what potential health effects could it have when ingested?
Red Dye 3: History and Approval
Red dye 3 is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, imparting a bright red cherry color to foods and drinks. It received initial approval in 1907, a time when limited research was conducted on coloring agents. This was before the well-established link between smoking and cancer.
In response to several color additives causing “serious adverse effects,” the FDA re-evaluated its approval process through the Color Additive Amendments of 1960. Red dye 3 was among 200 color additives provisionally approved, allowing temporary use until scientific data definitively established their safety or potential harm.
In 1969, red dye 3 was unconditionally approved for food and ingestible medication. However, in 1990, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics based on lab animal research invoking the Delaney Clause. Despite promises to ban red dye 3 in food and drugs, it took over 30 years and a 2022 color additive petition for the agency to act.
“Studies now show that red dye 3 is associated with hyperactivity in children and that high doses can cause thyroid cancer in male rats,” says Amanda Beaver, a wellness dietician at Houston Methodist. “There have not been studies showing that it causes thyroid cancer in humans, but the FDA now lists red dye 3 as an animal carcinogen.”
Common Foods Containing Red Dye 3 (Prior to the Ban)
With the ban in place, manufacturers have until 2027 to reformulate their products without red dye 3, including imported items. Consumers can identify products containing red dye 3 by checking nutrition labels for “red dye 3” (or FD&C Red Dye No. 3) or “erythrosine.”
Strawberry ice cream bar previously containing red dye 3
According to Beaver, foods that may have contained red dye 3 include:
- Some fruit cocktails
- Candy corns
- Protein shakes, even popular brands
- Ice pops
- Sausages
- Lollipops
- Puddings
- Vegetarian meats
- Bacon bits
- Strawberry milk
- Jellybeans
- Candies
- Colored beverages
- Strawberry ice cream bars
Other Dyes and Their Scrutiny
The FDA requires pre-market approval for all food additives, including synthetic dyes. Despite this, other FDA-approved dyes face public scrutiny over health concerns. These include:
- Red 40, or Allura Red
- Blue 1, or Brilliant Blue
- Blue 2, or Indigo Carmine
- Yellow 5, or Tartrazine
- Yellow 6, or Sunset Yellow
- Green 3, or Fast Green
Red 40 and yellow 5 have been linked to hyperactivity in children.
Reducing Red Dye 3 Intake
Until manufacturers reformulate their products by 2027, red dye 3 may still be present. Instead of solely focusing on avoiding specific ingredients, prioritizing an overall nutritious eating pattern is more sustainable.
“I don’t recommend that my patients routinely check the ingredient list unless they have food allergies, food sensitivities or gastrointestinal issues,” says Beaver. “Instead, I have them focus on adding nutritious foods to their diet or making healthier swaps that they enjoy.”
Homemade trail mix with nuts, chocolate chips and raisins is a nutritious swap for store-bought ones with candy-coated chocolate
Nutritious swaps recommended by Beaver include:
- Frozen fruit instead of fruit cocktail
- Fruit-infused water instead of artificially colored drinks
- Chocolate bars instead of colorful candy
- Bean chili instead of veggie burgers
- Roasted, salted pumpkin seeds instead of bacon bits
- Chocolate milk instead of strawberry milk
- Homemade trail mix with nuts, chocolate chips and raisins instead of store-bought ones with candy-coated chocolate
Many food brands had already started moving away from synthetic dyes, opting for naturally derived colors such as:
- Annatto extract (yellow)
- Beetroot powder (bluish red to brown)
- Caramel (yellow to tan)
- Beta-carotene from carrots (yellow to orange)
- Grape skin extract and purple carrot juice (red or purple)
By focusing on a diet rooted in vegetables, fruits, proteins, nuts, legumes, and grains, occasional consumption of colorful candies becomes less of a concern.
Conclusion
The FDA’s ban on red dye 3 in foods, beverages, and drugs marks a significant step towards addressing potential health risks associated with synthetic food dyes. While manufacturers work to reformulate their products, consumers can make informed choices by reading nutrition labels and prioritizing a balanced, nutritious diet rich in whole foods. Choosing naturally derived colors and focusing on overall healthy eating habits can help minimize exposure to artificial food dyes and promote better health.
