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BY-BYE RED DYE

Ita
Yankovich

March 4, 2025

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Ita Yankovich

Bye-Bye Red Dye

Ita Yankovich

You’d better grab all those flaming red Starburst Fruit by the Foot candies from this year’s mishloach manos, because it may be the last year you get them. After 35 years of resistance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally caved to growing pressure and banned the use of Red Dye 3 in foods, dietary supplements, and certain medications. The dye, long used to give candies and processed foods that bright, appealing red color, will soon be a thing of the past. If you’re a fan of those vivid, candy-coated treats or any other food products laced with this controversial additive, it’s time to stock up—because come 2027, those products won’t be the same.

This decision marks a significant shift in how food and drug safety will be regulated in the United States. The FDA’s move follows decades of mounting concerns from the medical community and consumers about the potential health risks posed by Red Dye 3, which is a petroleum-based synthetic dye. While the colorant may make foods and beverages look more enticing, it’s a known cause of concern, from hyperactivity in children to potential cancer risks. Now, as we move into a new era of greater awareness about food additives and their effects on health, the ban on Red Dye 3 raises questions about what other harmful ingredients may be next on the chopping block.

What’s the Issue with Red Dye 3?

While the dye has been used for decades, concerns about its potential health effects have been around for as long. Red Dye 3 (Also referred to as FD&C, Red No. 3, or erythrosine (E127) is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. It is a chemical compound that does nothing to improve the nutritional value, flavor, or texture of the food to which it is added. It aims to catch the eye, turning otherwise unappetizing products into visually appealing treats. But the question remains—how safe is it to consume?

The safety of Red Dye 3 has been hotly debated over the years, particularly as research has revealed potential health risks. While the FDA has not conclusively linked Red Dye 3 to cancer in humans, studies have shown it causes cancer in laboratory rats. This prompted the agency to classify it as a potential carcinogen initially. Still, it wasn’t until the mounting public pressure and state-level action that the FDA finally took steps toward banning it. Health professionals, especially pediatricians, have also raised concerns about its neurobehavioral effects, including hyperactivity and irritability in children.

While small doses of Red Dye 3 may not cause immediate harm, ongoing exposure and consumption, especially in young children, can have cumulative effects that raise red flags for long-term health.

Despite these concerns, the FDA had long allowed Red Dye 3 in food products, citing insufficient evidence to link it to human cancer risk definitively. The substance’s continued use has been driven mainly by its aesthetic appeal—creating that eye-catching red hue many consumers associate with delicious, sweet treats. However, the health risks, particularly for children, cannot be ignored. And now, as the FDA has bowed to growing pressure, it’s clear that the safety of artificial food colorings like Red Dye 3 will no longer be as easily brushed aside.

Red dye 3 is not just found in candy. A search of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Branded Foods Database at Food Data Central revealed 9,201 U.S. food products containing the dye. These include fruit cocktails, flavored milk, cake mixes, protein shakes, and vegetarian meats. Essentially, anything that needs a bold red hue to attract consumers might be using it, making it one of the most widespread artificial dyes in the food industry.

The Health Concerns: What’s the Risk?

The medical community has long been critical of using Red Dye 3 in food products, citing a growing body of research suggesting correlations between the dye and several health issues. Most notably, studies have shown that the consumption of Red Dye 3 may exacerbate hyperactivity and contribute to the development of ADHD symptoms, especially in children. These neurobehavioral effects are particularly concerning because children are often the most frequent consumers of brightly colored candies and snacks, leading to calls for more regulation.

Additionally, pediatricians like Dr. Mordechai Beityakov, a Marine Park pediatrician, have warned that consuming large amounts of foods containing Red Dye 3 can lead to “rare allergic reactions, such as rashes or stomach upset, and raises concerns about cumulative toxicity over time, which could contribute to long-term health problems.” There are also ongoing concerns about the cumulative toxicity of synthetic dyes, which could contribute to long-term health problems, particularly for younger generations with developing systems.

Red Dye 3 has also been linked to more serious health risks for adults, with studies suggesting a potential connection to thyroid cancer and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In laboratory rats, exposure to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 has been shown to cause cancer, particularly in males. While Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, has made it clear that the way Red Dye 3 causes cancer in rats doesn’t occur in humans, the fact remains that the dye has been classified as a potential carcinogen for decades.

This classification wasn’t enough to push for an immediate ban, however, as the FDA initially ruled that there was insufficient evidence to deem Red Dye 3 dangerous for human consumption. The agency’s slow-moving response was due in part to the complex nature of food safety regulations, and while no one is claiming that a single candy will cause cancer, the question remains: is it safe to continue consuming Red Dye 3 over a lifetime of exposure?

Despite the many concerns raised about Red Dye 3, most experts agree that consuming it in moderation is unlikely to pose an immediate threat to health. “A few times a month is okay,” admits Hindy Norensberg, a Marine Park registered dietitian and certified fitness instructor who works with both adult and pediatric clients. However, she stresses that regular consumption—especially of foods high in artificial colorants—can lead to cumulative effects that could cause problems later on.

So, while one red-laced candy might not be a cause for alarm, regular consumption could be a concern, especially given the widespread presence of Red Dye 3 in processed foods.

Putting Out the Red Alert

The fight to remove Red Dye 3 from our food products has been ongoing for decades. The issue first gained attention in the 1960s when Congress tasked the FDA with banning any food coloring that caused cancer. The FDA extended its deadline for years, eventually seeking more time to conduct additional research. However, after 36 extensions, public pressure in the 1990s forced the agency to act—but not in the way many had hoped. In 1990, the FDA finally banned Red Dye 3 from cosmetics and topical creams due to evidence suggesting it was carcinogenic when absorbed through the skin. However, the obvious question arose: if it’s too dangerous to put on our skin, why is it still allowed in our mouths?

In 2022, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and 23 other organizations submitted a petition urging the FDA to ban Red Dye 3 from all foods, supplements, and medications. However, despite the growing evidence linking the dye to various health risks, the FDA had not yet taken significant action. This led to a shift at the state level. California became the first state in 2023 to ban the manufacture, sale, or distribution of Red Dye 3 and several other food additives commonly found in U.S. products.

Following California’s lead, several other states introduced legislation to ban the dye, including Illinois, which passed a bill in April 2023 to prohibit Red Dye 3 in food products. New York also introduced a similar bill in February 2025, further signaling that the days of Red Dye 3 in our foods may soon be numbered.

Do or Dye

In response to growing public concern and the increasing number of state-level bans, the FDA finally announced its decision in 2024 to phase out Red Dye 3 from food products, starting with a complete removal by 2027. Drug manufacturers, however, have been given a slightly longer timeline and will need to comply with the new regulations by January 2028. Companies will have a few more years to reformulate their products and meet the new standards.

While the FDA’s decision is a positive step forward, the work is incomplete. Many are now asking: what’s next? The removal of Red Dye 3 is just the beginning as the public begins questioning other food additives’ safety. There’s a growing movement to explore safer, more natural alternatives to synthetic dyes. Many companies, including candy makers, are already exploring natural colorant options like beetroot juice, spirulina, and turmeric to replace synthetic dyes like Red 3 and Red 40. However, these natural alternatives often come with challenges, such as higher production costs and concerns about the stability of the product.

In researching this topic, Dole Foods was listed as one of the main culprits who use the dye in some of their fruit bowls. I reached out to them for a comment on this, and they were glad I brought it to their attention since, in fact, they ceased using Red Dye 3 years ago and were shocked and perturbed that inaccurate information was being publicized in various news articles online. Dole Foods replaced the dye from their fruit bowls with carmine, a natural red dye derived from insects. “If you look at our label for Cherry Mixed Fruit, you’ll see there is no red dye on the label,” says Karey Tanner, Sr. Communications Manager for Dole. While carmine is a natural alternative, it’s important to note that it’s not kosher, which has caused some concern among Jewish consumers.

Another food establishment that kosher consumers should be wary of is Dunkin Donuts since its vegetarian bacon contains the dye. A spokesperson told CBS News that the product is only sold in 48 kosher locations, and none of the company’s other locations sell products with Red Dye 3.

Meanwhile, Yoo-hoo, the popular chocolate-flavored drink, is reformulating its strawberry drink to be free of Red Dye 3. A new formula is expected to hit shelves by the end of 2025. PEZ has also been working to remove various artificial dyes from its products. However, due to the lengthy reformulation process, the company has stated that it will take time to make these changes.

Color Conundrum: What Can Consumers Do?

As the FDA rolls out its ban on Red Dye 3, consumers can still take steps to make more informed choices about what they put in their bodies. One of the most effective ways to avoid artificial additives is by reading food labels carefully. Consumers should look for products that don’t contain artificial dyes and instead opt for those made with natural ingredients and plant-based colorants.

Parents, in particular, can make better choices for their children by offering snacks free of artificial dyes. Fresh fruits, dried fruits, and fruit leathers without added sugars or synthetic colors are great alternatives to candy. Whole-grain snacks like crackers, granola bars, and lightly seasoned popcorn are also excellent options. For those who prefer homemade treats, recipes that use natural colorings like beetroot or turmeric can add fun, vibrant hues without the harmful effects of synthetic dyes.

Consumers who care about avoiding synthetic chemicals in their food can play an important role in this shift by supporting brands that prioritize cleaner ingredients and more natural formulations. By choosing products with natural colorings, consumers can vote with their wallets to help move the industry toward healthier alternatives.

“Involving kids in food preparation is also a great way to teach them about making healthier choices,” Norensberg advises, encouraging families to explore alternatives that avoid synthetic dyes. However, she isn’t stopping with just artificial dyes. Norensberg also highlights another significant issue: nitrates, which have been linked to cancer. “Nitrates have been proven to cause cancer, and they are found in some of our most popular foods like hot dogs and sausages. This needs to change,” she demands, calling for stronger action from the FDA to regulate these additives next.

By choosing healthier snacks and involving kids in the kitchen, parents can help foster better eating habits while reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. “Be smart about reading food labels,” advises Norensberg.

“Parents can look for snacks from brands that use plant-based dyes, such as spirulina or carrot juice, instead of artificial colors. Involving kids in food preparation is also a great way to teach them about making healthier choices,” recommends Dr. Beityakov.

Purim doesn’t have to be ruined because we can’t have deserts topped with Maraschino cherries or mishloach manos filled with crimson-colored candies and taffy. We will have to get more creative in our planning, knowing that making smarter choices benefits our health and those around us.

Sidebar:

Red 40 on the Horizon?

While Red Dye 3 is being phased out, another popular synthetic food dye, Red Dye 40, could be next on the chopping block. Red Dye 40 (also known as Allura Red) is one of the most widely used food colorants, appearing in countless products such as candies, soft drinks, and processed foods. Like Red Dye 3, Red 40 is a petroleum-derived dye, and there have been concerns about its safety, particularly regarding hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children.

Consumers concerned about these additives can stay informed by reading product labels and choosing options that use plant-based dyes. As more companies embrace natural alternatives, the hope is that synthetic colorants like Red 40 will eventually fade from the food landscape, just as Red Dye 3 is.

Sidebars

Foods With the Highest Levels of Red Dye 3