What food has red dye no. 3?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally announced a ban on the color additive Red Dye No. 3 in food products in early 2025, over three decades after prohibiting its use in cosmetics. While food manufacturers have until 2027 to reformulate, countless products containing this controversial ingredient have been on store shelves for years. Many consumers are now scrutinizing product labels to identify and avoid foods with Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic colorant linked to health concerns in animal studies.

Quick Summary

An official ban on Red Dye No. 3 has prompted a widespread search for the products containing this petroleum-based coloring. Found in many candies, baked goods, drinks, and other processed items, the dye is being phased out, with alternative colorings being used in reformulated products.

Key Points

• FDA Ban: In early 2025, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in food, effective January 2027, based on animal studies linking it to cancer.

• Prevalent Products: Common foods that used to contain Red Dye No. 3 include candies, fruit snacks, certain baked goods, processed meats, and beverages.

• Label Reading: Consumers should check ingredient lists for "Red 3," "Red Dye 3," or "Erythrosine" to identify and avoid products containing the additive.

• Natural Replacements: Many companies are shifting to natural alternatives like beet juice, carmine, and radish extract to color their products.

• Alternative Dyes: While Red Dye No. 3 is being phased out, some manufacturers may use other synthetic colorings like Red Dye No. 40, which also have potential health concerns.

• Informed Choices: Opting for whole, unprocessed foods and seeking products made with natural colors can help consumers minimize their intake of artificial dyes.

What is Red Dye No. 3?

Red Dye No. 3, also known as Erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. It was used for decades to impart a vibrant cherry-red color to a variety of food, drink, and drug products. Following animal studies and pressure from consumer groups, the FDA banned its use in food as of January 2025, with an effective date of January 2027. This action followed a similar ban in cosmetics in 1990 due to links to cancer in rats.

Common foods that contained Red Dye No. 3

Prior to the ban, Red Dye No. 3 was commonly found in many processed and brightly colored items. Checking ingredient lists for "Red 3," "Red Dye 3," or "Erythrosine" is important. Common product categories included candies, baked goods, fruit and dairy items like maraschino cherries, and some meats and beverages.

Natural alternatives used to replace Red Dye No. 3

Manufacturers are increasingly using natural, plant-based colorings to replace Red Dye No. 3 as they reformulate products. Options include beet juice, carmine, purple sweet potato, radish, red cabbage, paprika, and annatto.

Comparison: Red Dye No. 3 vs. Red Dye No. 40

With the ban on Red Dye No. 3, some manufacturers may use other synthetic dyes like Red Dye No. 40. While Red 40 is permitted by the FDA, it has faced its own scrutiny.

Feature	Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine)	Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red)
Chemical Type	Synthetic, petroleum-based	Synthetic, petroleum-based
Regulatory Status (US)	Banned in food and ingested drugs as of Jan 2025 (effective 2027)	Approved for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics
Known Concerns	Linked to thyroid cancer in male lab rats; potential behavioral issues in children	Linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children; potential cancer link in mice studies
Common Products	Maraschino cherries, candy corn, fruit snacks, strawberry milk	Soda, chips, ice cream, cereals, gelatin
EU Status	Limited use to candied and cocktail cherries; mostly banned since 1994	Use permitted but must be labeled as potentially causing adverse effects on activity and attention in children

Conclusion

Red Dye No. 3 was a widely used synthetic food colorant found in numerous candies, baked goods, drinks, and processed meats. Concerns arose after studies suggested a link to thyroid tumors in rats, leading to the FDA's ban in food, effective January 2027. Manufacturers are now transitioning to natural alternatives like beet juice and carmine, though some might use other synthetic dyes such as Red Dye No. 40, which also has associated concerns. Consumers can identify products containing Red Dye No. 3 by checking labels for "Red 3" or "Erythrosine" and can reduce exposure to artificial dyes by choosing whole foods and naturally colored options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Dye No. 3?

Red Dye No. 3, or Erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-derived food colorant that provides a bright, cherry-red color to food, drinks, and drugs.

Why was Red Dye No. 3 banned?

The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in food in early 2025 after animal studies linked it to cancer in rats, invoking the Delaney Clause, which prohibits food additives that cause cancer in animals or humans.

When does the ban on Red Dye No. 3 take effect?

For food manufacturers, the ban takes effect in January 2027. Drug manufacturers have until January 2028 to remove the dye from their products.

Can I still find products with Red Dye No. 3 on shelves?

Yes, products containing Red Dye No. 3 can still be found on shelves until the ban's effective date in January 2027. Manufacturers were given a phase-out period to reformulate their products.

Is Red Dye No. 40 banned as well?

No, Red Dye No. 40 was not part of the federal ban on Red Dye No. 3. However, some US states, like California, have independently banned Red Dye No. 40 from public school foods due to other health concerns.

How can I avoid Red Dye No. 3 in my diet?

To avoid Red Dye No. 3, read ingredient labels carefully and look for "Red 3," "Red Dye 3," or "Erythrosine." Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and products with natural coloring is also effective.

What are some natural alternatives to Red Dye No. 3?

Common natural alternatives include beet juice, paprika, turmeric, carmine, and vegetable extracts from sources like purple sweet potato, radish, and red cabbage.