What is red number 3 food coloring?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently revoked its authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs, nearly 35 years after banning it in cosmetics. This action puts a spotlight on the controversial synthetic food dye, also known as erythrosine, and its widespread use in consumer products.

Quick Summary

An overview of Red 3 food coloring, also known as erythrosine, a petroleum-based dye once used to provide a bright cherry-red color to foods and drugs. The article details its history, the recent FDA ban over health concerns like cancer risk in animals, and lists common products that contained it before reformulation, as well as safe natural alternatives for consumers.

Key Points

• Petroleum-Based Dye: Red number 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum.

• FDA Ban in 2025: The FDA issued a nationwide ban on Red 3 for food and ingested drugs, effective with a phase-out period ending in 2027-2028.

• Linked to Cancer in Rats: The ban was triggered by decades-old animal studies showing a link between high doses of Red 3 and thyroid tumors in male rats.

• Governed by Delaney Clause: The ban was enforced under the Delaney Clause of the FD&C Act, which prohibits food additives found to induce cancer in animals or humans.

• Common in Candy and Drugs: Before the ban, Red 3 was widely used in candies, baked goods, drinks, cough syrups, and vitamins.

• Natural Alternatives Exist: Food manufacturers are replacing Red 3 with natural colorants from sources like beets, anthocyanins, and carmine.

• Check Product Labels: Consumers can identify Red 3 by looking for “FD&C Red No. 3,” “Red 3,” or “erythrosine” on ingredient lists.

What is FD&C Red No. 3?

FD&C Red No. 3, commonly called Red 3 or erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-based dye used to impart a bright, cherry-red hue to a wide array of products. It was first approved for use in the United States in 1907.

Where was Red 3 typically used?

Prior to the 2025 ban, Red 3 was a common ingredient in thousands of consumer products, including foods like candies, baked goods, maraschino cherries, some beverages, and processed meats, as well as ingested drugs like gummy vitamins and cough syrups.

Foods that formerly contained Red 3 included:

• Candies (e.g., candy corn, conversation hearts, gumdrops)
• Baked goods (e.g., icings, frostings, toaster pastries, snack cakes)
• Maraschino cherries
• Some strawberry-flavored beverages and milk
• Frozen desserts (e.g., ice pops, ice cream)
• Certain processed meats (e.g., sausages, bacon bits)

Ingested drugs that formerly contained Red 3 included:

• Gummy vitamins
• Cough syrups
• Various coated pills

The long road to the FDA ban

Red 3's regulatory history is complex. The Delaney Clause of 1958 mandated that the FDA prohibit food additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals. In the 1980s, studies on male rats linked high doses of Red 3 to thyroid tumors. This led the FDA to ban Red 3 in cosmetics and external drugs in 1990. However, the dye remained legal in food and ingested drugs for over three decades due to regulatory challenges. Advocacy efforts and a 2023 ban by California eventually prompted the FDA's decision to ban the dye in January 2025.

The FDA's 2025 ban

The FDA's final rule, announced on January 15, 2025, revokes authorization for Red 3 in food and ingested drugs. The ban includes phase-in periods: food manufacturers must comply by January 15, 2027, and drug manufacturers by January 18, 2028.

Health concerns associated with Red 3

In addition to the cancer link that led to the ban, other health concerns have been associated with Red 3 and artificial dyes.

• Thyroid Dysfunction: Animal studies suggested Red 3 could interfere with thyroid hormone regulation.
• Behavioral Issues in Children: Some research links artificial dyes, including Red 3, to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
• Neurotoxicity: Studies indicate potential toxic effects on the brain from Red 3.

Natural alternatives to Red 3

With the upcoming ban, manufacturers are using natural alternatives. Consumers can also opt for products with these colorants.

Natural Red Dye Alternative	Source	Common Uses	Notes
Beet Juice / Betacyanin	Beetroots	Frozen desserts, yogurts, candies	Provides shades from intense pink to rich red; good stability under moderate heat and light.
Anthocyanin	Red radish, black carrot, sweet potato	Beverages, confectionery	Provides vibrant red, blue, or purple hues depending on pH.
Carmine / Cochineal Extract	Cochineal insects	Drinks, confectionery, baked goods	Offers stable orange-to-red shades. Not suitable for vegans or those with shellfish allergies.
Paprika Oleoresin	Paprika peppers	Spice blends, processed meats, snacks	Delivers orange-red colors with a mild pepper flavor.
Hibiscus Flower Extract	Hibiscus flowers	Beverages, syrups, baked goods	Provides a natural pink-to-red hue.

Conclusion

The FDA's ban on Red 3 is a significant food safety change, addressing decades-long concerns, particularly the link to cancer in animal studies. The ban requires food and drug manufacturers to reformulate products. Consumers can identify Red 3 by checking ingredient labels for "FD&C Red No. 3" and choose products with natural colorants like beet juice or anthocyanins. This move is part of a larger trend toward natural ingredients and cleaner product labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is red number 3 food coloring safe to eat?

The FDA no longer considers Red 3 safe for ingestion in food and drugs due to its carcinogenic effects in animal studies, resulting in a ban issued in January 2025. While the ban doesn't imply immediate danger from past consumption, it is no longer authorized for these uses.

What is another name for red number 3 food coloring?

Red number 3 is also known as FD&C Red No. 3 and erythrosine.

When did the FDA ban red number 3 food coloring?

The FDA issued the ban on Red 3 for food and ingested drugs on January 15, 2025. A prior ban for use in cosmetics was issued in 1990.

How can I tell if a food product contains red number 3?

You can identify red number 3 by checking the ingredient list on a product's label. It will be listed as 'FD&C Red No. 3', 'Red 3', or 'erythrosine'.

What is replacing red number 3 food coloring?

Manufacturers are turning to natural alternatives such as beet juice, anthocyanins (from black carrots or purple sweet potatoes), and carmine (derived from insects).

Which countries have banned red number 3?

The use of Red 3 in food is largely banned or restricted in many countries outside the United States, including the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand.

What was the reason for the FDA's delay in banning Red 3 from food?

Despite linking Red 3 to cancer in rats in the 1980s and banning it in cosmetics in 1990, the FDA's inaction on food use was due to a complex internal process and industry pressure, delaying the ban for over 30 years.