What You Need to Know About the Ban of Red Dye No. 3

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated us that Red Dye No. 3 will be banned in all food and consumable drugs.  Here is an easy breakdown of what you need to know. 

What is Red Dye No. 3? 

It is a color additive that is used in the United States currently making items an attractive red or pink color.  

What are some foods that contain Red Dye No. 3?

Some foods you may find Red Dye No. 3 in are: maraschino cherries, strawberry milk, fruit cocktail, smoked sausage, bacon, and other types of processed meats, seasoning mixes and marinades, fruit and vegetable juice, candy like gummy bears and licorice, cake mix (strawberries or cherry), frosting, Jell-o, cereal. 

Why is Red Dye No. 3 being banned?

According to the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. any ingredient (does not matter the dosage) that causes cancer in humans or animals, must be removed from food and drugs that we consume.  

Two studies were completed showing cancer in male rats exposed to high levels of Red Dye No. 3. The reason for the cancer was due to a hormonal mechanism only found in male rats.  Therefore this cannot occur in humans, or female rats for that matter.  

Another emphasis I want to make is on “high dose”.  Humans who do consume Red Dye No. 3 are typically consuming a much lower dosage.  Which, when you review the list of foods that may have Red Dye No. 3, you might agree you probably are not consuming Red Dye No 3 in excess.  Are you just downing maraschino cherries on the daily?  Are you eating containers of pink frosting all day every day? 

Are humans at risk of cancer by ingesting Red Dye No. 3? 

As of today, there is no research to support humans being a risk.  

When do changes need to be made? 

All this came about in January 2025 with the FDA giving food companies until January 15, 2027, aka 2 years from now, and ingested drug manufacturers until January 18, 2028 to reformulate their products.  So if you think this is an immediate change, it is not…

What do I look for if I want to start avoiding Red Dye No. 3 now? 

Manufacturers are already required to include this additive on the nutrition label; therefore, simply read the ingredient list.  It’s not hidden but know that Red Dye No. 3 can also be known as: “Red 3,” “FD&C Red No. 3,” or “FD&C Red #3.

The bottom line: 

Do we need this dye?  Absolutely not, Red Dye No. 3 is added to food for visual appeal, picture eating all clear gummy worms – a little weird, right?  Remember, from a nutrition and healthcare standpoint, we advocate for consumption of food and ingredients that provide nutrients that make us feel better, function better, and strive towards living long and healthy lives.  Is Red Dye No. 3 doing that for us?  Absolutely not.  In all reality, taking Red Dye No. 3 out of our food and medication is likely not going to hurt us, or help us.

What I’d love to see is us focus more on what we DO NEED.  Focus on decreasing processed foods and added sugars, consuming more fruits and vegetables, moving our body more, limiting alcohol.  

As a healthcare provider and nutrition professional it is my job to make sure that the facts are spelled out for you.  Now, what you decide to do with the information is completely up to you!  What do you want to focus on moving forward?  

Cheers! 

This blog was written by Amanda J. Stahl, RD, LDN, co-founder of Simple Start Nutrition.  For more blog posts and nutrition information follow @simplestartnutrition on Instagram and Facebook.  Also feel free to contact us, by visiting our website (simplestartnutrition.com) to schedule an appointment to discuss your nutrition related needs.  

Resources:  

https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs