Does McCormick Food Coloring Have Red Dye 3? A Guide for Conscious Consumers

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

In January 2025, the FDA announced a ban on the food additive Red Dye 3 due to cancer concerns, prompting a significant shift for food manufacturers. This decision raises the important question for many home bakers: does McCormick food coloring have red dye 3? Historically, the answer has been yes, but recent regulatory changes mean products will be reformulated.

Quick Summary

McCormick red food coloring traditionally included Red Dye 3, but a 2025 FDA ban mandates its removal from food products by 2027, prompting reformulation by manufacturers.

Key Points

McCormick's History with Red Dye 3: Historically, McCormick red food coloring contained FD&C Red No. 3, alongside FD&C Red No. 40.
The 2025 FDA Ban: In January 2025, the FDA announced a ban on Red Dye 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs.
Deadline for Reformulation: Manufacturers must comply with the ban by January 2027, meaning products will be reformulated without Red Dye 3.
Red Dye 3 vs. Red Dye 40: Red Dye 3 is distinct from Red Dye 40 (Allura Red) in its chemical makeup and regulatory status, with Red Dye 40 remaining permitted for now.
Natural Alternatives: In response to the ban, many companies are switching to natural colorants derived from sources like beet juice, carmine, and radish.
Broader Health Implications: Concerns exist about synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 3 and Red Dye 40, potentially affecting neurobehavioral issues in some children.

McCormick and the Ingredients in Red Food Coloring

Historically, McCormick's red food coloring included FD&C Red No. 3 along with other components like water, propylene glycol, and FD&C Red No. 40. The FD&C label signifies FDA approval for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. However, this status is subject to change based on new scientific data.

The 2025 FDA Ban on Red Dye 3

A major development is the FDA's ban of Red Dye 3 from food and ingested drugs, announced January 15, 2025. This action stems from long-standing concerns and scientific review, particularly based on the Delaney Clause, which prohibits additives found to cause cancer in animals. The ban was prompted by a 2022 petition citing 1980s animal studies linking high doses of Red Dye 3 to thyroid cancer in male rats. Although the FDA noted that the cancer mechanism observed in rats may not apply to humans, the Delaney Clause necessitated regulatory action. Manufacturers, including McCormick, have until January 2027 to remove Red Dye 3 from their food products, aligning U.S. regulations more closely with the European Union, which has long restricted its use.

Comparing Red Dye 3 and Red Dye 40

With the ban on Red Dye 3, it's helpful to distinguish it from Red Dye 40, another common red food colorant.


Feature	Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine)	Red Dye 40 (Allura Red)
Regulatory Status (US)	Banned from food and ingested drugs as of January 2025; manufacturers have until January 2027 to comply.	Still permitted for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.
Chemical Properties	Iodine-based compound; some research suggests it may affect thyroid function.	A different chemical structure; not associated with the same thyroid-related risks as Red Dye 3.
Health Concerns	Linked to thyroid cancer in male rats at high doses, leading to the ban based on the Delaney Clause.	Concerns persist, with some studies linking it to hyperactivity in children, but it does not face the same regulatory pressure as Red 3.
Alternative Status	Often replaced by other dyes like Red 40 or natural alternatives.	Commonly used to achieve a red color and is now a frequent replacement for Red 3.

The Shift Toward Natural Alternatives

The removal of Red Dye 3 is part of a larger movement towards using fewer synthetic additives in food. Companies are increasingly using natural ingredients to achieve desired colors.

Beet Juice: Provides pink and red shades.
Carmine: A bright red dye derived from cochineal insects.
Purple Sweet Potato, Radish, and Red Cabbage: Offer a range of red and pink pigments.

This trend allows companies to meet consumer demand for more natural-sounding ingredients.

Broader Nutrition and Health Implications

The focus on Red Dye 3 highlights wider concerns about synthetic food colorings and their role in a healthy diet. Beyond the cancer link for Red Dye 3, synthetic dyes in general have been scrutinized for potential links to neurobehavioral issues, particularly in children. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in California has affirmed a connection between certain dyes and these issues. Consumers can identify synthetic dyes by checking ingredient labels for names like "FD&C Red No. 3".

Conclusion

Historically, McCormick food coloring contained Red Dye 3 (erythrosine). However, a recent FDA ban, effective January 2027, requires its removal from all food products in the U.S.. This change reflects concerns about synthetic additives and is leading manufacturers to adopt alternatives like Red Dye 40 or natural colorants. Consumers can make informed choices by reading labels and seeking products with natural alternatives. Staying informed about ingredient changes is key for managing a nutrition diet and supporting safer food practices.

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) News on Red Dye 3 Ban

Frequently Asked Questions

As of early 2025, products on shelves may still contain Red Dye 3. However, following the FDA's ban, McCormick and all other food manufacturers must remove the dye from their formulations by January 2027.

The FDA banned Red Dye 3 based on the Delaney Clause, which prohibits additives found to cause cancer in animals. Animal studies from the 1980s linked high doses of Red Dye 3 to thyroid cancer in male rats.

No, Red Dye 40 (Allura Red) is a different chemical compound from Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine). While both are synthetic, Red Dye 40 has not been banned by the FDA and is a common replacement for Red Dye 3.

To avoid Red Dye 3, you should check product ingredient labels for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "Erythrosine". You can also opt for products that explicitly state they use natural colorings, such as beet juice.

Natural alternatives for red food coloring include beet juice, carmine (from insects), and pigments from fruits and vegetables like purple sweet potato, radish, and red cabbage.

No, the ban applies specifically to Red Dye 3 (Erythrosine). Other synthetic red dyes, like Red Dye 40, are still permitted for use in food in the U.S..

The ban has a compliance deadline of January 2027 for food products, so existing items may still contain the dye. While the ban was based on animal studies, consumers should be aware of the regulatory shift and check labels for personal nutritional choices.