What Does Red 3 Do to the Human Body? Health Risks and the FDA Ban

In January 2025, the FDA finally banned Red 3 from food and ingested drugs after decades of debate. This action was taken because evidence suggests what does red 3 do to the human body is cause for concern, raising questions about its safety and long-term health implications.

Quick Summary

The synthetic food dye Red 3 was banned by the FDA in 2025 following links to thyroid tumors in rats, endocrine disruption, and potential neurobehavioral issues in sensitive children. The ban addresses longstanding health concerns about this petroleum-based additive.

Key Points

• FDA Ban: The FDA officially banned Red 3 from food and ingested drugs in January 2025, based on a 1980s study linking it to thyroid cancer in rats.

• Cancer Link: High doses of Red 3 were found to cause thyroid tumors in male lab rats, prompting regulatory action under the Delaney Clause.

• Endocrine Disruption: Red 3, which contains iodine, can disrupt the thyroid gland’s function and hormone regulation, raising concerns about hormone-related cancers.

• Neurobehavioral Effects: Studies have associated Red 3 and other synthetic dyes with hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and restlessness in some children.

• Phased Out: The ban gives manufacturers until 2027 for foods and 2028 for ingested drugs to remove Red 3 from their products.

• Read Labels: Until the ban is fully implemented, consumers should check ingredient labels for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "erythrosine" to avoid the dye.

• Go Natural: Many food manufacturers are transitioning to natural colorants derived from beets, carrots, or other plant sources.

The Health Concerns Behind the Red 3 Ban

FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic dye previously used in a variety of foods and ingested drugs to provide a vibrant red color. Concerns about its safety date back to the 1980s when studies in male rats linked high doses of the dye to thyroid tumors. Although the dye was banned from cosmetics in 1990, it remained in food and drugs, leading to continued advocacy and state-level restrictions before the eventual nationwide FDA ban in January 2025.

Potential Carcinogenic Effects and Endocrine Disruption

The primary concern leading to the ban was the link to thyroid tumors in animal studies. This finding, particularly relevant under the Delaney Clause which prohibits additives found to cause cancer in animals or humans, was a key factor in the FDA's decision. Additionally, Red 3 contains iodine and can interfere with thyroid function, acting as an endocrine disruptor. This interference could impact thyroid hormone levels and potentially increase the risk of hormone-related cancers.

Neurobehavioral Impacts, Especially in Children

Synthetic food dyes, including Red 3, have been associated with neurobehavioral issues in some children. A 2021 report by California’s Environmental Protection Agency reviewed evidence supporting this link for several synthetic food dyes, including Red 3. Despite some debate over the strength of the evidence, many health advocates recommend avoiding synthetic dyes.

List of Common Products That May Contain Red 3 (Prior to Ban Enforcement)

A list of common products that may have contained Red 3 prior to the ban includes various candies, baked goods, maraschino cherries, processed meats, and certain beverages and ingested drugs.

Comparison of Red 3 and Natural Alternatives

A comparison between Red 3 and natural colorants shows differences in source, health concerns, regulatory status, cost, and stability. Red 3 is a petroleum-based synthetic dye linked to health concerns like thyroid tumors and potential behavioral issues. Natural colorants, derived from plants or insects, are generally considered safer but can be less stable and more expensive. While Red 3 is now banned from food and drugs in the U.S., natural colorants are generally permitted.

How to Avoid Red 3 in Your Diet

The FDA's ban on Red 3 is being phased in, with full effect for foods in 2027 and ingested drugs in 2028. To avoid Red 3 before these dates, carefully read ingredient labels for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "erythrosine". Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and products with natural colorants can help reduce exposure to synthetic dyes.

The Takeaway

The FDA's ban on Red 3 stems from concerns about its link to thyroid cancer in animal studies, its endocrine-disrupting properties, and potential behavioral effects in children. While the dye is being phased out of the U.S. food and drug supply, informed consumer choices remain crucial for avoiding potentially harmful additives.

Conclusion

Red 3 was banned due to its established links to thyroid cancer in rats, its role as an endocrine disruptor, and potential adverse neurobehavioral effects in children. The ban reflects regulatory action based on evidence of harm. As Red 3 is phased out, consumer awareness and mindful dietary choices are vital for health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the FDA ban Red 3?

The FDA banned Red 3 because of a 1980s study showing that it caused thyroid cancer in male rats when consumed in high doses, and the Delaney Clause of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits additives that cause cancer in animals or humans.

Is Red 3 linked to cancer in humans?

While animal studies showed a link to thyroid cancer in rats, the FDA has stated that the specific hormonal pathway involved in those rats does not occur in humans. However, Red 3's endocrine-disrupting potential has raised broader concerns about hormone-related cancers.

What common foods contain Red 3?

Before the ban, Red 3 was commonly found in brightly colored foods like candies, maraschino cherries, ice cream, frostings, and some processed meats. Consumers should continue checking labels until the ban is fully enforced.

Can Red 3 cause hyperactivity in children?

Some studies have linked synthetic food dyes, including Red 3, to adverse neurobehavioral effects like hyperactivity and inattention in some sensitive children, particularly those with ADHD.

When does the Red 3 ban go into effect?

Manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove Red 3 from foods and until January 2028 for ingested drugs.

What is the difference between Red 3 and Red 40?

Red 3 is a distinct synthetic dye that has been banned by the FDA due to cancer concerns in animals. Red 40 is another synthetic dye that remains approved by the FDA, though it also faces scrutiny and restrictions in other countries.

What are the alternatives to Red 3?

Many companies are now using natural alternatives to Red 3, such as beet juice, black carrot, paprika, and carmine, which are derived from natural sources rather than petroleum.