Nutrition Diet: What foods have red 3 dye? And the recent FDA ban

According to the FDA's January 2025 announcement, the use of FD&C Red No. 3 will be phased out from food and beverages due to cancer concerns, prompting many to question what foods have red 3 dye and how to avoid it. This regulatory change marks a significant shift, especially considering the dye was banned from cosmetics more than 30 years prior.

Quick Summary

This article details which processed foods historically contained the synthetic color additive Red 3, or erythrosine. It explains the reasons behind the recent FDA ban and provides a practical guide for consumers on how to identify and avoid the dye by reading ingredient labels.

Key Points

• FDA Ban Timeline: The FDA banned Red 3 (erythrosine) in January 2025, with phase-out periods until January 2027 for food/beverages and January 2028 for ingested drugs.

• Common Culprits: Before the ban, Red 3 was found in candies, cakes, frostings, strawberry milk, and maraschino cherries, among other processed items.

• Check the Label: Identify Red 3 by looking for "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine" on ingredient labels.

• Safety Concerns: The ban was prompted by animal studies linking Red 3 to thyroid cancer.

• Healthy Alternatives: Natural options like beet juice, purple sweet potato extract, and carmine can be used as alternatives to Red 3.

• Read Beyond Red 3: While Red 3 is banned, other dyes like Red 40 are still used. Reducing intake of ultra-processed foods helps limit exposure to artificial additives.

What Is Red 3 and Why Was It Banned?

FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic food coloring historically used in thousands of food products. While approved in the U.S. decades ago, animal studies in the 1980s linked the dye to thyroid cancer in male rats. Despite being banned in cosmetics in 1990, it remained in food until January 2025, when the FDA revoked its authorization for Red 3 in food, drinks, and ingested drugs based on the Delaney Clause.

Common Foods That Contained Red 3 Dye

Before the ban, Red 3 was common in many processed foods and medications, particularly those aimed at children. While manufacturers have until January 2027 to reformulate food and until January 2028 for ingested drugs, products containing the dye may still be available. Historically, Red 3 was found in a variety of items:

• Candies: Including popular brands and seasonal treats.
• Baked Goods: Such as cakes, cookies, and frostings.
• Dairy and Frozen Desserts: Including flavored milk, ice cream, and popsicles.
• Processed Fruits: Notably maraschino cherries and some fruit cocktails.
• Beverages: Certain strawberry-flavored drinks and juices.
• Medications and Supplements: Including some oral syrups and gummy vitamins.
• Savory Processed Foods: Such as imitation bacon bits.

How to Identify and Avoid Red 3

Consumers can avoid Red 3 by carefully reading ingredient labels, which will list it as "FD&C Red No. 3," "FD&C Red 3," "Red 3," or "Erythrosine". Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods, where dyes are common, and prioritizing whole foods is also an effective strategy.

Comparison of Red 3 and Red 40

Red 3 is often confused with Red 40, which is still permitted in the U.S.. Here's a comparison:

Feature	Red 3 (FD&C Red No. 3, Erythrosine)	Red 40 (FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red)
Origin	Synthetic, petroleum-derived	Synthetic, petroleum-derived
Regulatory Status (US)	Banned in food (effective Jan 2027) and ingested drugs (effective Jan 2028).	Permitted.
Regulatory Status (EU)	Restricted to certain uses.	Permitted under specific conditions.
Primary Health Concerns	Linked to thyroid cancer in animal studies.	Linked to hyperactivity in children.
Common Uses	Candy, cakes, maraschino cherries.	Many condiments, cereals, snacks, drinks.

Healthier and Natural Color Alternatives

Manufacturers and consumers can use natural alternatives for red coloring, such as beetroot, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, and carmine. Berries and pomegranate can also be used to create natural dyes.

Conclusion

The FDA's ban on Red 3 is a notable step for food safety. Understanding what foods have red 3 dye and how to read ingredient labels is key. Choosing a diet of whole foods helps minimize exposure to artificial additives. You can find more information on the FDA's ruling here.

FAQs

Q: When does the FDA's ban on Red 3 go into full effect? A: The ban takes full effect for food and beverages in January 2027 and for ingested drugs in January 2028.

Q: Is Red 3 the same as Red 40? A: No, they are different synthetic dyes. Red 3 is banned, while Red 40 is still permitted in the U.S..

Q: Are there any natural alternatives for red food coloring? A: Yes, options include beet juice, purple sweet potato extract, red cabbage, and carmine.

Q: Why did it take so long to ban Red 3 from food after banning it in cosmetics? A: The delay was due to complex regulatory processes and industry pressure after studies linked it to cancer in the 1980s.

Q: How can I tell if a product contains Red 3? A: Check the ingredient list for "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine".

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with Red 3? A: The ban is based on animal studies linking it to thyroid cancer. Some research also suggests links to thyroid dysfunction and behavioral effects in children.

Q: Should I avoid all artificial food dyes? A: Some experts recommend limiting or avoiding all synthetic food dyes, especially for children, due to potential links to behavioral issues. A diet of whole foods helps reduce exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the FDA's ban on Red 3 go into full effect?

The ban on Red 3 for food and beverages takes full effect in January 2027, and for ingested drugs, it takes effect in January 2028. This phased implementation gives manufacturers time to reformulate their products.

Is Red 3 the same as Red 40?

No, Red 3 (erythrosine) and Red 40 (Allura Red) are different synthetic dyes. The FDA has banned Red 3, but Red 40 remains legal, though it has faced different health-related scrutiny regarding behavioral effects.

Are there any natural alternatives for red food coloring?

Yes, natural alternatives include concentrated beet juice or powder, purple sweet potato extract, and red cabbage extract. Carmine, derived from cochineal insects, is another natural option, though it is not suitable for vegans.

Why did it take so long to ban Red 3 from food after banning it in cosmetics?

The delay was largely due to complex and separate regulatory processes within the FDA after the initial animal study findings in the 1980s. Advocacy groups petitioned the FDA for a full ban, which was granted in 2025.

How can I tell if a product contains Red 3?

You can identify the dye by checking the ingredients list on a product's label for names such as “FD&C Red No. 3,” “FD&C Red 3,” or “erythrosine.” This is legally required information.

What are the potential health risks associated with Red 3?

The ban on Red 3 is based on animal studies linking the dye to thyroid cancer. Some research also suggests potential links to thyroid dysfunction and neurobehavioral effects in children.

Should I avoid all artificial food dyes?

Some nutrition experts advise limiting or avoiding all synthetic food dyes, particularly for children, due to observed links with behavioral issues like hyperactivity. Focusing on a whole-food diet is a great way to naturally reduce your intake of artificial additives.