What is Red Dye Number 3?
Red Dye No. 3, also known as Erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. Its primary function has been to provide a bright cherry-red color to various products, including food, ingested drugs, and cosmetics since the early 20th century. The use of this dye is purely for aesthetic appeal in items like candy, cakes, and other processed foods.
The Controversial History of Red No. 3
Concerns about the health risks of Red Dye No. 3 have been present for many years. A significant development occurred in the 1980s when animal studies showed that high levels of the dye could cause thyroid tumors in male rats. This finding invoked the Delaney Clause, which requires the FDA to prohibit food or color additives that cause cancer in humans or animals.
Following these studies, in 1990, the FDA prohibited Red No. 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs. However, the ban did not extend to food and ingested drugs at that time, leading to a situation where a known animal carcinogen remained in food for over 30 years. During this period, regions like the European Union, Australia, and Japan implemented stricter regulations, with Europe largely banning the dye for food use in 1994.
Health Concerns Associated with Red Dye No. 3
Besides the link to cancer in animal studies, other potential health issues have been associated with Red Dye No. 3:
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Some research indicates the dye might interfere with the thyroid gland's iodine absorption, potentially affecting hormone balance. Animal studies observed enlarged, tumorous thyroid glands and hormone irregularities after exposure.
- Neurobehavioral Effects: There are increasing concerns about the effects of synthetic dyes on children's behavior. While some studies, like those from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, have connected artificial food dyes to hyperactivity, the evidence specifically for Red No. 3 in humans is not yet definitive.
- Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Rodent studies have suggested that Red No. 3 could increase oxidative stress and cause neuroinflammation, damaging tissues and disrupting neural communication.
Where was Red Dye No. 3 found?
Prior to the recent ban, Red Dye No. 3 was commonly used in various processed products. These included items such as maraschino cherries, baked goods like cakes and frostings, candies including candy corn, frozen desserts and ice pops, fruit cocktails and flavored milks, some vegetarian meat products and bacon bits, and ingested medications and supplements like gummy vitamins.
The FDA Ban: A New Era for Food Safety
In January 2025, the FDA announced it would revoke the authorization for Red No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs. This action followed pressure from consumer groups and scientific review, finally addressing the regulatory gap that existed for over 30 years since the cosmetic ban.
The ban includes a timeline for manufacturers to comply:
- Food and Beverages: Manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove the dye from their products.
- Ingested Drugs: Companies have until January 2028 to reformulate medications.
This decision signifies a movement toward safer food additives and is considered a success by public health advocates like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), who called it a resolution to a "decades-long regulatory failure".
The Clean Eating Movement and Red Dye Alternatives
The FDA's ban supports the principles of clean eating, which focuses on consuming whole, minimally processed foods free from artificial additives. Consumers now have a clear reason to avoid products that previously contained Red No. 3 and look for alternatives.
Manufacturers are increasingly using natural colorings. These alternatives include beet juice, which provides red hues; purple sweet potato and red cabbage extracts for various red and purple shades; carmine, a red dye from cochineal insects (not vegan-friendly); and paprika oleoresin, which gives an orangey-red color.
Comparison of Red Dye No. 3 vs. Natural Alternatives
| Feature | Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine) | Natural Alternatives (Beet Juice, Carmine, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Synthetic, petroleum-based | Plant-based (beet juice) or insect-derived (carmine) |
| Health Concerns | Linked to thyroid cancer in animal studies; potential neurobehavioral effects | Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status; minimal health concerns |
| Regulatory Status (US) | Banned for food use (Jan 2025), ban effective 2027/2028 | Permitted for use by the FDA as safe food additives |
| Regulatory Status (EU) | Restricted or banned in most food applications since 1994 | Widely approved for use |
| Taste Impact | No flavor added | May impart subtle flavor notes depending on the source |
Navigating a Post-Red Dye No. 3 World
With Red Dye No. 3 being phased out, it's a good time to adopt cleaner eating habits. Consider these steps:
- Read Labels Carefully: Until the ban is fully implemented, check ingredient lists for "FD&C Red No. 3," "FD&C Red 3," or "erythrosine."
- Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize a diet based on whole, unprocessed ingredients like fruits and vegetables.
- Support Clean Brands: Opt for companies already using natural colorings to encourage broader adoption of safer practices.
- DIY Cooking and Baking: Prepare your own food to control ingredients and use natural colorings from sources like beets.
Conclusion
The upcoming removal of Red Dye No. 3 from the U.S. food supply marks a notable achievement for public health and underscores the benefits of a cleaner nutrition diet. The history of this synthetic additive, its link to cancer in animals, and the eventual FDA ban highlight the importance of being aware of ingredients in processed foods. By understanding the risks and choosing products with natural colorings, consumers can contribute positively to their health and encourage the food industry towards safer, more open practices. For further details on the ban and the advocacy efforts, resources from organizations like the CSPI are available.
