Products with Red Dye 3: An Overview
Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-based color additive utilized to give products a vibrant, cherry-red color. Its use spanned a variety of products, from candies to medications. The FDA's ban, which became effective in 2025 for food products, provided a window for manufacturers to reformulate their products. It is important to know what has red dye 3 in it so consumers can make informed choices, and the transition away from this dye is ongoing.
Food Items Containing Red Dye 3
The dye was particularly prevalent in colorful food items, especially those appealing to children. Consumers should carefully review ingredient labels for 'FD&C Red No. 3' or 'erythrosine'. Examples of products containing Red Dye 3 included:
- Pez Candy Assorted Fruit
- Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum
- Brach's Candy Corn and Conversation Hearts
- Gummy candies and jelly beans
- Lollipops and Ring Pops
Baked Goods, Snacks and Desserts
Baked goods, desserts, and snacks with red colorings frequently contained the dye:
- Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins
- Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot
- Cookies with red icing or sprinkles
- Frozen treats, including certain ice cream flavors and ice pops
- Cake decorating gels and frostings
- Red velvet box cake mix
Beverages and Other Items
Red Dye 3 was also found in flavored drinks and fruit-based products:
- Strawberry-flavored milk, such as Nesquik
- Some sodas and fruit-flavored drinks
- Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink
- Maraschino cherries
- Canned fruit cocktails
- Certain snack foods and chips
- Imitation bacon bits
Medications and Supplements Containing Red Dye 3
Red Dye 3 had been authorized for use in drugs ingested by adults and children. The FDA ban included ingested drugs, giving manufacturers a longer period to reformulate their products. The following products may have contained Red Dye 3:
- Gummy vitamins and children's supplements
- Certain cough syrups and liquid medications
- Strawberry-flavored PediaSure shakes
- Inactive ingredients in some prescription medications
The FDA Ban: Timeline and Reasons
The FDA's decision to ban Red Dye 3 from food and ingested drugs in 2025 was based on the Delaney Clause, prohibiting food additives that cause cancer. The ban followed a 2022 petition from health advocacy groups citing concerns from animal studies.
Animal studies from the 1980s linked Red Dye 3 to thyroid tumors in male rats. The FDA had already banned the dye in cosmetics and topical drugs in 1990 for the same reason. The ban in the U.S. also aligns with stricter regulations on Red Dye 3 in Europe.
| Feature | Red Dye 3 (Synthetic) | Natural Color Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum-based | Fruits, vegetables, insects (carmine) |
| Color | Bright, consistent cherry-red | Can vary in hue, less intense, pH/heat sensitive |
| Stability | Highly stable and long-lasting | Can degrade over time or with heat/light |
| Health Concerns | Thyroid tumors in rats, behavioral issues | Generally safer, allergic reactions (carmine) |
| Labeling | 'FD&C Red No. 3' or 'erythrosine' | Listed by source (beet juice, carmine) |
| Regulatory Status | Banned by FDA (2025 food, 2028 ingested drugs) | Generally approved for use |
How to Identify and Avoid Red Dye 3 in Products
To avoid Red Dye 3, consumers should read ingredient labels on all food items, medications, and supplements. The dye may be listed as 'FD&C Red No. 3,' 'Red No. 3,' or 'erythrosine'.
Choosing Natural Alternatives
Manufacturers have various natural coloring alternatives, such as beet juice concentrate and extracts from purple sweet potato and red radish. Carmine, a dye derived from cochineal insects, is another option, though it is not vegan-friendly. By choosing products with natural coloring, consumers support safer food practices and transparency in labeling.
Conclusion
The FDA's ban on Red Dye 3, prompted by evidence of health risks, marks a shift toward consumer safety. While products containing the dye may still be available during the transition period, reading ingredient labels is crucial to avoid it. The shift toward natural color alternatives will benefit consumer health. Regulatory changes such as this highlight the importance of food safety and transparency in product labeling.
For more detailed information on synthetic food dyes and related health effects, an excellent resource is the Center for Science in the Public Interest: https://www.cspi.org/cspi-news/red-3-fda-finally-bans-cancer-causing-food-dye.
