What Dietitians Want You To Know About the FDA’s New Ban on Food Dye Red 3
There’s no need to overhaul your pantry.
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It may sound scary to hear the news that the FDA just banned the food dye Red No. 3. You might be heading to the pantry to check the food labels of your packaged goods. While reading labels to check for food dyes may be a smart move, there are a few things to consider. Here’s what dietitians want you to know.
Why is Red Dye No. 3 banned?
Health advocates and consumer watchdog groups have been calling for the food dye to be banned for years. High doses of Red No. 3 were linked to cancer in animal studies decades ago. In 2022, a petition for the review of certain color additives was filed to the Food and Drug Association.
According to the FDA, the food dye also known as FD&C Red No. 3 has now been banned as a “matter of law” based on the Delany Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which states that the use of any food additive that causes cancer must be revoked. It was noted in the FDA statement that the amount of Red No. 3 consumed by people is typically much lower than the similar exposure causing cancer in rodents.
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In what foods is Red Dye No. 3 used?
It yields a bright ‘cherry’ red or pink color in foods that may be flavored as strawberry, cherry or fruit-flavored. While this may include drink mixes, some sodas, candies, frostings, packaged pastries and ice cream cones, the majority of it is found in nostalgia candies, ice pops and especially in maraschino cherries.
Another more common food dye, Red No. 40 is also used to make candies and packaged goods appear red or pink. This dye is not part of the recent ban.
When will the ban take effect?
For foods products, manufacturers must remove Red No. 3 by January 2027. This food dye is also used in some medicines and in these, it must be removed by January 2028.
Should you toss out all foods containing Red No. 3?
“There’s no need to throw out everything in your cabinets or freezer,” says Stephanie Meyers, MS, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist founder of Families Eating Well and senior oncology dietitian at Iris Oncology in Boston. “It's important not to let this news make you feel bad about what you’re eating.”
Should you avoid buying foods containing Red No. 3?
“It’s understandable that the news about Red Dye No. 3 might sound alarming, but many of the foods that contain it — like sugary drinks, frozen desserts, frosting and candy — are things dietitians already recommend eating less often,” notes Meyers.
What do dietitians think about food dyes in general?
For perspective, the most common food dyes used in the U.S. are Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6; they account for around 90 percent of the dyes used in foods. So there are still several other dyes allowed in foods.
Some of these food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, and to cancer. While the research directly linking food dyes to behavior problems in children has been inconclusive, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who remove food dyes from their diets can show decreased symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. And as the FDA stated about Red No. 3, the cancer risks are not fully supported by the available scientific information.
“This news is a chance for people to notice where food dyes show up and make choices that work for them. It’s also a great opportunity for those interested to try natural ways to color food, like beets or red cabbage,” says Meyers.
Bottom Line: This news is a good time to take stock of the amount of food dyes found in your grocery cart and pantry. The dose of total food dyes in a diet could make a difference. Switching to more whole foods means less food dyes overall.
16 Packaged Snacks That Don’t Have Red Dye 3
The food dye was recently banned by the FDA.
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