The Widespread Presence of Red 3 in Consumer Goods
For decades, FD&C Red No. 3, known as Red 3 or erythrosine, was a go-to color additive for manufacturers seeking to produce a vibrant red or pink hue. While banned from cosmetics in the U.S. since 1990 due to animal studies linking it to cancer, its use in food and ingested drugs continued. In January 2025, the FDA announced a ban on the additive for all food and ingested drug products, with manufacturers having until January 2027 (for food) and January 2028 (for drugs) to comply.
Products Historically Containing Red 3
Red 3 has been prevalent in a variety of items:
- Candies: Many popular candies, including gummies, hard candies, Brach's Conversation Hearts and Candy Corn, Pez Candy, and some Jelly Belly varieties, have historically contained Red 3.
- Baked Goods & Desserts: The dye was common in frostings, icings, cake decorations, cookies with red sprinkles, and some frozen treats like Nerds Bomb Pops.
- Beverages and Dairy: Strawberry milk (including Nesquik), certain fruit-flavored drinks (like Yoo-hoo), and some protein shakes have utilized Red 3 for color.
- Medications and Supplements: Red 3 has been an ingredient in various oral medications, including some gummy vitamins and cough syrups, as well as certain prescription and over-the-counter pills.
- Other Uses: Maraschino cherries, imitation bacon bits, certain processed meats, and some savory mixes also appeared on lists of products containing Red 3.
Reformulation and Alternatives
Manufacturers are now reformulating products to comply with the ban. The European Union has long had stricter regulations on food dyes, with many companies already using alternatives in international markets. Replacements often include naturally derived colors such as beet juice, red cabbage, and carmine. Consumers can expect to see these natural alternatives listed on ingredient labels as the deadline approaches.
Natural vs. Synthetic Colorings: A Comparison
| Feature | Red 3 (Synthetic) | Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beet Juice, Carmine) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum-based | Plant-based (beets, red cabbage) or insect-derived (carmine) |
| Color Intensity | Often provides a very vibrant, consistent red | Can vary and may be more subtle or less stable |
| Cost | Historically less expensive to produce | Generally more expensive for manufacturers |
| Health Concerns | Associated with cancer in high-dose animal studies; linked to behavioral issues in some children | Not associated with the same risks, though some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies (e.g., carmine) |
| Regulatory Status | FDA-banned for food and ingested drugs in the U.S. as of 2025 (with deadlines in 2027/2028) | Considered generally safe, with some minor restrictions |
Conclusion
Historically, Red 3 was a common ingredient in numerous popular products, from candies to medications. The recent FDA ban will phase out its use, requiring manufacturers to adopt alternative colorings. As the 2027 deadline nears, consumers can expect significant changes and should continue to check ingredient labels for "Red 3" or "erythrosine" to avoid the additive. This shift towards natural colorings highlights growing consumer awareness and stricter oversight of food additives.
Sources
FDA Red 3 Ban: What to Know
- What is Red 3?: Red 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic, petroleum-based dye used for vivid red coloring.
- How to avoid Red 3: Check product labels for "Red 3," "FD&C Red No. 3," or "erythrosine".
- Products affected by the ban: Candies, frozen desserts, cakes, frostings, and some ingested drugs.
- FDA Red 3 ban timeline: Food manufacturers must comply by January 2027, and drug makers by January 2028.
- Red 3 and health concerns: Some studies show a link to cancer in male lab rats and potential behavioral effects in sensitive children.
- Natural alternatives for Red 3: Common replacements include beet juice, carmine, and pigments from fruits and vegetables.
- FDA vs. IACM on Red 3 safety: The FDA cites the Delaney Clause based on animal studies, while the IACM points to human studies arguing for its safety at typical consumption levels.
