A History of Controversy: The Journey to Banning Red Dye 3
Red Dye 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. It was extensively used in the food, drug, and cosmetic industries to provide a bright red or pink color. However, concerns regarding its safety arose after studies in the 1980s indicated a link between high doses of the dye and thyroid cancer in male rats. This led the FDA to ban Red Dye 3 from cosmetics and external drugs in 1990, but it remained permitted in food and oral medications due to regulatory delays.
Advocacy groups, such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), petitioned the FDA to address this inconsistency. In January 2025, the FDA announced a ban on Red Dye 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs, citing the Delaney Clause, which prohibits additives shown to cause cancer in animals. The ban includes a transition period, with compliance required by January 2027 for food and beverages and January 2028 for drugs, meaning some products containing the dye may still be available during this time.
Food and Beverages that Contained Red Dye 3
Before the ban, Red Dye 3 was found in a wide variety of processed food and beverage products. Consumers interested in avoiding synthetic dyes should be aware of the categories that commonly included this additive:
- Candies: Many candies, especially seasonal items and fruit-flavored varieties, used Red Dye 3 for coloring, including types of candy corn and conversation hearts.
- Baked Goods and Desserts: It was frequently used in icings, frostings, and sprinkles for decorating baked goods, as well as in some snack cakes and toaster pastries.
- Dairy and Frozen Items: Certain ice creams, frozen yogurts, ice pops, and flavored milk products, particularly those with cherry or strawberry flavors, contained the dye.
- Fruit Products: Maraschino cherries were a well-known product containing the dye, which was also found in some fruit cocktails.
- Savory Foods: Red Dye 3 was even present in items like imitation bacon bits and some processed meats, as well as certain seasoning mixes.
- Beverages: Some flavored drinks, juices, and sodas, such as specific varieties of Yoo-hoo and fruit punch, used the dye for color.
Medications and Other Products
In addition to food, Red Dye 3 was also used in various ingested medications and supplements for aesthetic purposes.
- Gummy Vitamins and Supplements: A considerable number of gummy vitamins and flavored supplements for both children and adults contained Red Dye 3.
- Liquid Medications: Certain oral medications like cough syrups and children's liquid pain relievers used the dye.
- Oral Medications: The dye was also present as an inactive ingredient in some pills, though it has been removed from certain medications like Vyvanse.
Comparison: Red Dye 3 vs. Natural Alternatives
| Feature | Red Dye 3 (Synthetic) | Natural Colorants (e.g., Beet Juice, Anthocyanins) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum-based | Plant-based (beets, berries, cabbage) |
| Cost | Generally inexpensive | Often more expensive |
| Vibrancy | Provides a very bright, consistent cherry-red | Can have more nuanced, natural-looking red/pink shades |
| Health Concerns | Linked to thyroid cancer in animal studies | None related to carcinogenesis at typical dietary levels |
| Stability | Highly stable and long-lasting in products | Can be more sensitive to heat, light, and pH changes |
| Labeling | FD&C Red No. 3, Red 3, or erythrosine | Beet juice, carmine, anthocyanins |
| Nutritional Value | None | Some options (beet juice) offer nutritional benefits |
Making Healthier Choices: How to Avoid Red Dye 3 and Other Synthetic Dyes
Given the FDA ban and ongoing transition, consumers should carefully read ingredient labels to identify and avoid Red Dye 3, which is listed as "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine".
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Consuming a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods is an effective way to minimize exposure to all artificial additives.
- Choose Natural Alternatives: Many manufacturers are switching to natural colorants like beet juice, carmine, and extracts from fruits and vegetables. Supporting these products encourages the use of safer ingredients.
- Check Ingredient Lists: Always examine ingredient lists, as food dyes are required to be explicitly named.
- Look for 'Dye-Free' Versions: If you use medications that contained red dye, inquire about or seek out dye-free alternatives.
The Impact of the Red Dye 3 Ban on Nutrition
The ban on Red Dye 3 represents a move toward a healthier food supply. While the dye itself offered no nutritional value, its presence in processed foods underscores the importance of being mindful of all ingredients. For more information on food additives, the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores database is a useful resource.
Conclusion
Historically, red dye 3 was a widespread, albeit controversial, additive used to color a wide array of products, including candies, beverages, and medications. Following decades of health concerns, the FDA has banned its use in food and ingested drugs, with the ban being phased in over the next few years. This regulatory change highlights the importance of being aware of the ingredients in our food and adopting a nutrition diet that favors whole, unprocessed foods. By checking labels for alternative colorings like beet juice and looking out for the specific names of red dye 3, consumers can make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle. The ban is a positive step toward a safer and more transparent food system as manufacturers adjust their formulations.
