Red Dye 3 Banned in U.S. Foods and Drugs: Key Information You Should Know

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on food dye Red No. 3, according to a constituent update published today. This ban follows a 2022 color additive petition aimed at removing the dye from food and drug products currently on the market.

Companies and manufacturers using this red food dye in their products will have until January 15, 2027, for food, and January 18, 2028, for drugs, to reformulate and eliminate the dye from their ingredients. Products affected by this ban include candies like Pez and Ring Pops, grocery baked goods such as cupcakes and sugar cookies, Nesquik strawberry milk, Tylenol, and various cereals, desserts, and icing products.

The FDA's Ban on Red Dye 3: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that food and drug manufacturers remove Red Dye 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, from their products. This decision follows concerns about the dye's potential cancer-causing effects, highlighted by studies showing harmful outcomes in rats.

The Controversial History of Red Dye 3 Red Dye 3 has been banned from use in cosmetics and non-oral medications for decades, yet it continued to be allowed in food and beverages until recently. Despite ongoing health concerns, the dye remained prevalent in various snack foods and drinks, leading to increased calls for stricter regulations.

The Importance of Checking Ingredient Labels Consumer advocacy groups have been actively monitoring companies that still use Red Dye 3, and many manufacturers have already transitioned to safer alternatives. Nevertheless, consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant by checking ingredient labels, particularly on products with red coloring.

Although many brands have phased out Red Dye 3, it is still found in certain food and beverage categories.

Common Products Containing Red Dye 3

• Candies

  • Red Dye 3 is found in candies like Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Candy Corn. Other red candies, such as Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, have switched to Red 40.

• Baked Goods and Snacks

  • Some baked goods and snacks, particularly those with red icing, still use Red Dye 3. For instance, Betty Crocker’s Red Decorating Icing contains it, whereas Pillsbury’s Funfetti Valentine’s Day Vanilla Frosting uses Red 40.

• Dairy and Frozen Foods

  • Strawberry-flavored dairy and frozen products sometimes contain Red Dye 3. TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk is an example, while Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream and Popsicle-brand fruit pops have switched to natural colorants like beet juice.

• Fruit Products

  • Many maraschino cherry brands, including those from Walmart and Kroger, now use Red 40. However, Kroger’s Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktail still contains Red Dye 3.

• Beverages

  • Red Dye 3 is found in Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake, though other drinks like Hawaiian Punch, Kool-Aid, Fanta, Jarritos strawberry sodas, and Faygo black cherry soda have moved to Red 40.

• Medications

  • Some gummy vitamins and medications still use Red Dye 3, although many have switched to natural or alternative dyes. For example, Vicks Formula 44, Luden’s, and Halls cough drops use Red 40, as do Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussin Adult Cough and Chest Congestion, and Vick’s NyQuil Cold and Flu.

What This Means for Consumers With the FDA's crackdown on Red Dye 3, consumers can expect to see changes on store shelves. This move towards safer alternatives in food and medicine highlights the importance of consumer vigilance. Always check ingredient labels to stay informed about what you are consuming.

The FDA’s decision to remove Red Dye 3 from consumer products represents a significant step forward in consumer safety. As the dye is phased out from foods, drugs, and previously banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications, this action underscores a broader shift toward cleaner, safer ingredients in everyday products.