What is Red Dye No. 3?
FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a petroleum-based synthetic food dye that for decades gave a bright, cherry-red color to thousands of food products in the United States. Its history is marked by regulatory controversy, particularly after animal studies in the 1980s revealed a link between high doses of the dye and thyroid tumors in rats. This led the FDA to ban its use in cosmetics in 1990, but its use in food persisted for over three decades, sparking ongoing debate and advocacy for a full ban.
The FDA Ban: A Long-Overdue Decision
After years of advocacy from consumer health groups, the FDA finally amended its regulations in January 2025 to revoke authorization for Red 3 in all food and ingested drugs. This move was compelled by a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act known as the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the approval of any food additive shown to cause cancer in animals or humans. The new regulation gives food manufacturers until January 2027 and drug manufacturers until January 2028 to reformulate products, though many companies had already started phasing out the dye.
Products That Contained Red 3
Before the 2025 federal ban, FD&C Red No. 3 was a common ingredient across many categories of processed food. Consumers had to scrutinize labels for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "erythrosine" to identify and avoid it.
- Candies and Confections: Many brightly colored candies, including seasonal and fruit-flavored varieties, jelly beans, and gummy candies.
- Baked Goods and Snacks: This included frostings, icings, cake decorating gels, sprinkles, toaster pastries, fruit snacks, and certain cookies.
- Dairy and Frozen Desserts: Strawberry-flavored milk, some protein shakes, ice cream, popsicles, frozen fruit bars, puddings, and gelatins often contained Red 3.
- Fruit Products: Maraschino cherries were a significant user of Red 3, as were some canned fruit cocktails containing dyed cherries.
- Beverages and Syrups: Certain sodas, fruit-flavored drinks (especially strawberry), and some cough syrups and over-the-counter medications used Red 3 for color.
- Medications and Supplements: Gummy vitamins and certain oral medications also previously contained the dye.
The Shift to Natural Alternatives
As regulatory and consumer pressure mounted, many food manufacturers began proactively seeking safer, natural alternatives to Red 3. This shift is not only a response to safety concerns but also a move to meet growing consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent ingredient lists.
| Feature | FD&C Red No. 3 | Natural Alternatives (Beet Juice, Carmine, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum-based synthetic chemical | Plant-based (beets, purple sweet potato, etc.) or insect-derived (carmine) |
| Health Concerns | Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies | Generally considered safer; some may have allergen concerns (carmine) |
| Usage Status (US) | Banned in food and ingested drugs as of Jan 2025 | Fully permitted as food colorants |
| Typical Color Range | Bright, cherry-red hue | Varying shades of red, from pink to magenta, depending on source |
| Labeling | Explicitly listed as “FD&C Red No. 3” or “Erythrosine” | Described by source, e.g., “beet juice concentrate” or “carmine” |
Impact on Your Diet and How to Navigate
For consumers, the ban on Red 3 represents a significant victory for food safety. However, since manufacturers have a transition period, products containing the dye may still appear on shelves until early 2027. This makes reading ingredient labels crucial for anyone seeking to eliminate artificial dyes from their diet. The best approach is to choose products that explicitly advertise natural colorings or opt for foods that are less processed overall. The move towards cleaner labels also means many brands are replacing Red 3 with other artificial dyes like Red 40, which also has a controversial safety profile. Therefore, checking the ingredient list for all synthetic colorings is the most reliable strategy.
Conclusion
The FDA's ban on FD&C Red No. 3 in food marks a pivotal moment for consumer health and signals a broader industry shift toward natural ingredients. While the presence of products containing Red 3 will diminish over the next few years, mindful consumption and label-reading remain essential for navigating a healthy diet. This transition encourages food manufacturers to innovate and provides consumers with safer, more transparent options, ultimately contributing to a healthier food supply. To stay informed on which specific chemicals are being flagged, the Center for Science in the Public Interest is an excellent resource.
What products have Red 3 in them? A Closer Look at the Past
Before the ban, products commonly containing Red 3 included seasonal candies, maraschino cherries, specific brands of strawberry-flavored drinks, and some fruit-flavored frostings and gelatins. Many major food companies, like Mars Wrigley and Hershey's, proactively removed Red 3 from their U.S. candies before the ban, aligning with stricter European standards and consumer demand. The ban is part of a growing trend towards challenging artificial colors in the food industry, driven by consumer advocacy and potential state-level legislation, which will continue to shape product development.
This content is based on information available in January 2025 following the FDA's announced ban of FD&C Red No. 3. Manufacturers have a compliance period, so product availability may vary.
