What is Red Dye No. 3?
Red Dye No. 3, scientifically known as erythrosine or E127, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. This dye has been used to give products a cherry-red color. Unlike natural colors, Red Dye No. 3 has no nutritional value and is added for visual appeal. It was used in various consumer products, and has the potential to disrupt hormones.
The Path to the Ban: A Regulatory Timeline
- 1969: The FDA approved Red Dye No. 3 for use in foods and drugs.
- 1980s: Studies indicated that high doses of Red Dye No. 3 caused thyroid cancer in male lab rats.
- 1990: The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 from cosmetics and topical drugs but did not ban it from food, citing industry pressure.
- 2022: The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and other groups petitioned the FDA to ban all remaining uses of Red Dye No. 3.
- October 2023: California passed the California Food Safety Act, banning Red Dye No. 3 and three other additives, effective January 2027.
- November 2024: Members of Congress sent a letter to the FDA urging a ban on the dye.
- January 2025: The FDA announced it was revoking authorization for the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food and drugs, enacting the ban nationwide.
How the FDA Ban Affects Consumers
The ban was announced in 2025, but it does not take immediate effect to give manufacturers time to comply. Food manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products, while drug manufacturers have until January 18, 2028. Until these dates, products containing the dye may still be available. Consumers can avoid it by reading ingredient labels for “FD&C Red No. 3,” “Red 3,” or “Erythrosine”.
Products Containing Red Dye No. 3
Prior to the ban, Red Dye No. 3 was found in products like:
- Candies (candy corn, peppermints, jelly beans)
- Maraschino cherries
- Fruit cocktails
- Cakes, frostings, and decorating gels
- Popsicles
- Some beverages, including sodas and sports drinks
- Certain medications and vitamins
- Strawberry-flavored milk and ice cream products
The Legal Basis: The Delaney Clause and Animal Studies
The FDA's decision was legally mandated by the Delaney Clause, a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This clause requires the banning of any food or color additive found to induce cancer in humans or animals, regardless of the exposure level. The FDA has indicated that the mechanism causing thyroid tumors in male rats is not relevant to human health, but the legal requirements of the Delaney Clause necessitated the ban. Some studies have also suggested other potential health issues, such as behavioral problems in children, linked to Red Dye No. 3.
Comparing Red Dye No. 3 with Natural Alternatives
This table illustrates the differences between Red Dye No. 3 and natural colorings.
| Feature | Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine) | Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beet Juice, Carmine) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Derived from petroleum | Sourced from plants (beets, radishes, purple carrots) or insects (cochineal) |
| Cost | Less expensive to produce | Generally more expensive due to processing and sourcing |
| Color Stability | Highly stable to light and heat | Variable stability; some may degrade with heat or light exposure |
| Processing Impact | Unaffected by pH levels | Color can be highly dependent on pH; some turn brown or blue |
| Shelf Life | Long shelf life | Typically shorter shelf life compared to synthetic dyes |
| Consumer Perception | Viewed with concern due to health risks | Often perceived as a healthier, "clean label" option |
The Rise of Natural Food Colors
In response to consumer demand for natural ingredients, many food companies began phasing out synthetic dyes like Red Dye No. 3, even before the federal ban. This shift has spurred innovation in natural food colorings, with alternatives like beet juice, anthocyanins from red cabbage, and carmine (from cochineal insects) becoming more common. This reflects an evolving consumer preference for less processed foods and more transparent labeling.
Red Dye No. 3 vs. Other Synthetic Dyes
The FDA ban is specific to Red Dye No. 3, not all synthetic red dyes. Red Dye No. 40, another synthetic red color, remains approved by the FDA, although concerns about its potential impact on health have been raised. The FDA's action on Red Dye No. 3 has increased public attention to food additives and the need for safety re-evaluations.
Conclusion: A Move Toward Greater Transparency
The FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3 represents a significant step in updating food safety standards in the United States. The decision, driven by consumer advocacy and state legislation, was based on the Delaney Clause. For consumers, the ban signals a move toward ingredient transparency. It reinforces the importance of reading product labels and staying informed about the ingredients in the food supply. While questions remain about other food additives, this ban sets a precedent for prioritizing public health, even if compliance takes time.
Additional Additives Information
The Food Standards Agency in the UK requires a warning label for six specific dyes that may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Consumers can stay informed and make healthier choices by paying close attention to these and other ingredient details on food packaging.
For more information on the impact of food regulations, visit the FDA website.
