A Guide to What Foods Are Red Dye 3 Found In: Understanding the FDA Ban

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

In January 2025, the FDA announced a ban on the synthetic color additive Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine, in foods and ingested drugs. This decision has brought renewed attention to the products that historically contained this ingredient and helps consumers understand what foods are red dye 3 found in?. The move follows decades of debate and research, with a full phase-out period giving manufacturers time to adapt.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed list of common foods and products containing red dye 3, explains the health risks associated with the additive, and offers guidance on how consumers can avoid it by reading labels and choosing natural alternatives.

Key Points

FDA Ban: The FDA officially banned Red Dye 3 in January 2025, with the ban taking full effect by 2027 for food and beverages and 2028 for ingested drugs.
Commonly Found in: Before the ban, Red Dye 3 was found in many processed foods, including candies, maraschino cherries, baked goods, fruit-flavored drinks, and some medications.
Check Labels for: To identify the additive, check ingredient lists for 'FD&C Red No. 3', 'Red 3', or 'erythrosine'.
Associated Health Risks: Concerns include links to thyroid cancer in animal studies, potential endocrine disruption, and behavioral effects like hyperactivity in sensitive children.
How to Avoid: The most effective way to avoid Red Dye 3 and other artificial colorings is to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and check labels for natural alternatives.
Phased Implementation: The ban's phased roll-out means that products containing the dye may still be found on shelves for several years.

The Controversial History of Red Dye 3

Red Dye 3, or erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-based food coloring used to create a vibrant red hue. Despite its widespread use, it has faced controversy due to animal studies suggesting potential links to cancer. The FDA banned Red Dye 3 in cosmetics in 1990 but delayed action on food until a 2022 petition prompted federal action. The eventual ban aligns with the 1958 Delaney Clause, which prohibits food additives shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Common Product Categories Containing Red Dye 3

Red Dye 3 was historically found in thousands of consumer products, many targeting children. While the FDA ban is being phased in, consumers should be aware of product categories that commonly contained this dye, including:

Candies and Confectionery: Items like hard candies, jelly beans, and sprinkles often contained Red Dye 3.
Baked Goods and Toppings: This includes red frostings and decorative sprinkles.
Frozen Desserts: Some ice pops and flavored frozen yogurts used Red Dye 3.
Beverages: Certain fruit-flavored drinks and sodas historically included the additive.
Fruit Products: Maraschino cherries are a classic example of a product that used Red Dye 3.
Processed Meats and Meat Alternatives: The dye has been found in some sausages, hot dogs, and imitation bacon bits.
Medications and Supplements: Some ingested drugs, like liquid cough syrup and gummy vitamins, used Red Dye 3 for coloring.

The Health Implications of Red Dye 3

The FDA's ban is based on animal studies showing potential risks, although definitive human data is limited. Potential health concerns associated with Red Dye 3 include:

Thyroid Cancer Risk: Studies from the 1980s indicated a link between high doses and thyroid tumors in male rats.
Endocrine Disruption: Research suggests the dye may interfere with thyroid hormone function.
Neurobehavioral Effects: A 2021 review linked synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 3, to hyperactivity and inattentiveness in sensitive children.

Natural Alternatives to Artificial Red Dye

As Red Dye 3 is phased out, manufacturers are increasingly using natural alternatives derived from plants. These alternatives can offer a cleaner label and potential health benefits.


Feature	Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beetroot, Anthocyanins)
Origin	Synthetic, petroleum-based chemical	Plant-based extracts from fruits, vegetables, and roots
Nutritional Value	None; purely for aesthetic enhancement	Can provide some nutrients, antioxidants, or anti-inflammatory properties
Health Concerns	Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies; potential behavioral effects in children	Generally considered safe and often associated with health benefits
Regulatory Status (US)	Banned by FDA (Jan 2025); phase-out until 2027/2028	Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA
Labeling	FD&C Red No. 3, Red 3, or erythrosine	Specific plant names, such as Beetroot Powder or Anthocyanins

How to Avoid Red Dye 3 and Other Synthetic Dyes

Even with the upcoming ban, consumers can take steps to avoid Red Dye 3 and other artificial dyes:

Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Look for “FD&C Red No. 3,” “Red 3,” or “erythrosine.”
Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize unprocessed foods to minimize exposure to artificial additives.
Opt for Natural Colorings: Look for ingredients like beetroot powder or anthocyanins.
Seek Dye-Free Options: Ask for dye-free versions of medications and supplements when available.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Cleaner Eating

The FDA's ban on Red Dye 3 is a positive step for consumer health and encourages the use of natural alternatives. While the ban allows time for reformulation, consumers can actively read labels and choose whole foods to avoid this additive. This regulatory change highlights the importance of understanding food ingredients and the impact of consumer advocacy.

For further information on food additives and labeling, you can consult resources from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA banned Red Dye 3 based on evidence from animal studies conducted in the 1980s that linked high doses of the dye to thyroid cancer in male rats. The ban was mandated by the Delaney Clause, a provision of federal law that prohibits the use of any food additive found to cause cancer in animals or humans.

No, Red Dye 3 and Red Dye 40 are different synthetic food dyes. While Red Dye 3 is now banned in food and ingested drugs, Red Dye 40 remains approved by the FDA, though it has also been associated with health concerns in some studies.

Food and beverage manufacturers have until January 2027 to comply with the ban, while drug manufacturers have until January 2028. This phased approach allows companies time to reformulate their products.

Red Dye 3 is also known by its chemical name, erythrosine, or by its official designation, FD&C Red No. 3. All of these names may appear on ingredient labels.

Maraschino cherries have historically been colored with Red Dye 3, but some brands have begun switching to other colorings, like carmine. Due to the upcoming ban, manufacturers will need to use alternatives, and consumers should check labels carefully.

Natural alternatives to artificial red dye include beetroot powder or juice, anthocyanins (derived from berries and red cabbage), and carmine (derived from cochineal insects).

Yes, until the ban takes effect in January 2028 for ingested drugs, some liquid cough syrups, gummy vitamins, and other medications may still contain red dye 3. Consumers concerned about this can ask pharmacists for dye-free versions.