The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) from being used in certain foods and ingested drugs, citing its known 30-year-old link to cancer in rats. Red 3 is a synthetic petroleum-based additive commonly used to add color to foods, drinks, and candy/sweets, but it can also be found in medications.
The FDA order becomes effective January 15, 2027, “granting a color additive petition submitted by Center for Science in the Public Interest, et al., by repealing the color additive regulations that permit the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods (including dietary supplements) and in ingested drugs. The petitioners provided data demonstrating that this additive induces cancer in male rats. Therefore, the FDA is revoking the authorized uses in food and ingested drugs of FD&C Red No. 3 in the color additive regulations.”
“Today’s action by the FDA marks a monumental victory for consumer health and safety,” Ken Cook, co-founder and president of EWG. “For years, Red 3 remained in food products, despite growing evidence linking it to health problems, particularly in kids.”
Studies On Red 3
Long-term animal feeding studies show Red 3 to cause adenomas and carcinomas of the thyroid gland in animals and has been banned from being used in cosmetics since 1990, yet it can still be found in thousands of processed foods, particularly candy and other sweets. More recently, this dye has been linked to a range of serious health concerns, especially for children including a greater risk for behavioral difficulties, decreased attention spans and memory issues, as well as damage to the reproductive system.
“This ban sends a strong message that protecting the health of Americans – especially vulnerable children – must always take priority over the narrow interests of the food industry.”
Items That May Contain Red 3
You may be wondering if you have any products containing Red 3. To help we’ve collected a short list of a few common products that you may want to check.
- Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Brach’s Candy Corn both contain Red 3.
- Betty Crocker’s Fruit by the Foot, Dubble Bubble Chewing gum, Pez, and Peeps contain Red 3.
- Baked goods and snacks with red icing contain such as Betty Crocker Red Decorating Icing contains Red 3.
- Check strawberry-flavored milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles. For example, TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk contains Red 3.
- Maraschino cherry brands, including store brands such as Kroger Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktails contain Red 3.
- Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake also contains Red 3.
If you are concerned about Red 3 and other potentially harmful substances, you can visit the EWG’s Food Scores database and do a search of the more than 2,000 foods in the database that contain RED 3.
California enacted the California Food Safety Act in 2023, which bans four harmful chemicals, including Red 3 and Red 40, from food products that are manufactured and sold within the state starting in 2027. Marking the first state law in the nation to take comprehensive action against toxic chemicals in food to protect public health.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/fdc-red-no-3
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2025/01/fda-moves-ban-toxic-red-dye-no-3-food
https://www.cspinet.org/press-release/red-3-fda-petition
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1349-7006.1988.tb01593.x
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-022-00849-9
