Nutrition Diet: What number red dye is not good for you?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

In January 2025, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 for use in food and ingested drugs, decades after finding it carcinogenic in animal studies. This regulatory change brings to light the question: What number red dye is not good for you? Beyond the newly banned Red 3, other artificial colors like Red 40 are also linked to health concerns, prompting a closer look at common food additives and their impact on a healthy diet.

Quick Summary

The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 due to cancer risks identified in animal studies. Broader concerns exist about artificial food colorings like Red 40, linked to hyperactivity in children. Informed consumers should understand the risks and seek natural, healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Red Dye No. 3 Ban: The FDA has finally banned Red Dye No. 3 for use in food, effective 2027, citing animal studies linking it to cancer, a move long overdue under the Delaney Clause.
Red Dye No. 40 Concerns: Still legal in the U.S., Red Dye No. 40 is linked to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in some sensitive children, a concern recognized by European regulations.
Check Labels for Dyes: The most important step to avoid artificial colorings is to carefully read ingredient lists for names like 'FD&C Red No. 3', 'Red 40', and 'Yellow 5'.
Prioritize Whole Foods: The most effective way to eliminate artificial dyes is to reduce consumption of highly processed foods and prioritize whole, naturally-colored foods like fruits and vegetables.
Embrace Natural Alternatives: Safer food coloring options are derived from natural sources such as beets, turmeric, and paprika, which many forward-thinking manufacturers now use.
Children are Most Vulnerable: Due to their smaller body weight and higher consumption of colorful processed foods, children are especially susceptible to the health effects of artificial dyes.
Dye Ban Momentum: Spurred by consumer advocacy and state legislation (like in California), federal agencies are now taking more action against harmful food additives, indicating a positive shift towards stricter food safety.

The Troubling Case of Red Dye No. 3

After decades of regulatory inaction, the FDA finally revoked authorization for Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine) in food and ingested drugs, effective January 2025. This decision follows evidence from the 1980s showing the dye caused thyroid cancer in male laboratory rats. Although the dye was banned in cosmetics and external drugs in 1990 based on these findings, its use in food persisted for over 30 years despite the federal Delaney Clause, which prohibits additives found to cause cancer.

The ban on Red 3 is a response to renewed petitions and public pressure. Manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove it from food and January 2028 for ingested drugs. The FDA noted the specific cancer mechanism found in rats might not apply to humans, but the legal requirement of the Delaney Clause necessitated the ban. Red 3, which offers no nutritional value, was commonly found in items like certain candies, maraschino cherries, fruit cocktails, and some children's medications. Until the ban is fully implemented, consumers should check ingredient labels to avoid this dye.

The Controversy Around Red Dye No. 40 and Other Dyes

Beyond the banned Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red AC) is another widely used artificial coloring facing scrutiny. Derived from petroleum, Red 40 is primarily linked to behavioral issues in sensitive children, such as hyperactivity and inattentiveness. A 2021 report from California's OEHHA supported the link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral problems.

Studies indicate that food dyes may worsen existing symptoms in some children, rather than directly cause conditions like ADHD. Consequently, the European Union has mandated warning labels on foods with certain dyes, including Red 40, since 2010, leading many European companies to use natural alternatives. Other dyes, such as Yellow Dye No. 5 (Tartrazine) and Yellow Dye No. 6, are also associated with hyperactivity and potential allergic reactions. Animal studies have suggested other risks for Red 40, including potential DNA damage, but human implications require further research.

Artificial vs. Natural Dyes: A Comparison

Making informed dietary choices requires understanding the differences between artificial and natural food colorings. Below is a table highlighting these distinctions.


Feature	Artificial Dyes (e.g., Red 3, Red 40)	Natural Dyes (e.g., Beetroot, Turmeric)
Source	Petroleum or coal tar	Plants, fruits, vegetables, and other natural sources
Processing	Synthetic and manufactured via chemical processes	Extracted from natural sources with minimal processing
Intensity/Stability	Produce very bright, consistent, and stable colors	Colors can vary in hue and may be less stable or more sensitive to heat
Health Concerns	Linked to cancer (Red 3) and neurobehavioral issues (Red 40)	Generally considered safe, with some offering additional health benefits
Nutritional Value	None; purely cosmetic	Some, like those from turmeric or berries, may offer antioxidants
Common Use	Processed candies, sugary cereals, snacks, and brightly colored drinks	Healthier products, organic foods, and naturally-colored items

Practical Nutrition Diet Tips for Avoiding Artificial Dyes

Avoiding artificial food dyes in your diet involves being mindful of food choices and labels. Here are some practical tips:

Read ingredient lists diligently. Artificial dyes are listed by their full name or number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 3, Red 40).
Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods. Focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds naturally reduces exposure to artificial dyes.
Use natural colorings for homemade foods. Ingredients like beet juice or turmeric can provide natural colors for cooking and baking.
Seek products with natural alternatives. Look for packaged goods that use natural colorings from sources like beet juice, paprika, or annatto.
Choose 'dye-free' options when available. Some medications, particularly for children, offer dye-free versions.

How to Read a Food Label for Dyes

When examining food labels, specifically look for the following to identify potentially problematic dyes:

FD&C Red No. 3 or Erythrosine: The dye banned due to cancer links.
FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or Red 40 Lake: The dye associated with hyperactivity.
FD&C Yellow No. 5 or Tartrazine: Linked to hyperactivity and allergies.
FD&C Yellow No. 6 or Sunset Yellow: Also linked to hyperactivity.

Conclusion

Understanding what number red dye is not good for you highlights the complex history and ongoing concerns surrounding certain food additives. The recent FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 acknowledges its cancer risks and underscores the importance of consumer awareness. Concerns also persist regarding Red Dye No. 40 and other synthetic colorings due to their potential link to behavioral issues, especially in children. By prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and opting for natural color alternatives, individuals can minimize their exposure to these potentially harmful dyes and support a healthier diet. This shift toward natural ingredients is a move towards a cleaner, more nutritious way of eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary red dye considered not good for you is Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine), which the FDA has banned for food use starting in 2027 due to links to cancer in animal studies.

While not banned, Red Dye No. 40 has been linked to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in some children. Unlike Red 3, it is not currently classified as a carcinogen.

To check for Red Dye No. 3, read the ingredient list on the product label. It must be listed by name as 'FD&C Red No. 3' or 'Erythrosine'.

Red dyes are often found in processed foods marketed to children, such as colorful candies, fruit snacks, sugary cereals, baked goods with icing, and soft drinks.

The FDA's internal processes and a separate regulatory pathway for food and cosmetics allowed Red Dye No. 3 to remain in the food supply for over 30 years after it was banned for topical use in 1990.

Yes, many natural alternatives exist, including beetroot juice, paprika, and hibiscus. These are derived from plants and provide color without the health concerns associated with synthetic dyes.

Some research suggests that for a sensitive subpopulation of children, removing artificial food dyes like Red 40 may reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness.

The Delaney Clause is a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that mandates the FDA ban any food or color additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals. The FDA cited this clause as the legal basis for banning Red Dye No. 3.