U.S. regulators have officially banned the food dye known as Red 3, a decision that comes nearly 35 years after it was prohibited for use in cosmetics due to potential cancer risks. The ban, enacted by the FDA, addresses growing health concerns over the additive, which is commonly found in a variety of food products, such as candies, snack cakes, and maraschino cherries.
Red 3, also referred to as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is derived from petroleum and is used to impart a bright cherry-red color to foods and drinks. Popular products containing this dye are numerous; a search conducted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest identified over 9,200 U.S. food items that incorporate Red 3.
The ban follows a 2022 petition from food safety advocates who urged the FDA to revoke the dye’s approval for use in food and oral medications, leading to this critical decision. The FDA noted that high levels of Red 3 caused cancer in male rats during studies, enforcing the Delaney Clause, which mandates the prohibition of any additive found to cause cancer in any species. It’s important to highlight that while studies showed the dye to be carcinogenic in rats, officials affirm that this particular mode of action does not apply to humans.
Effective from January 2027 for food manufacturers and January 2028 for drug manufacturers, the ban will require many companies to reformulate their products, as Red 3 is frequently used in candy, icing, and various other popular foods. Major companies like Ferrara Candy have already begun phasing out the dye, with plans to complete the transition by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley has confirmed that none of its U.S.-made candies utilize the dye.
Globally, Red 3 faces restrictions, with bans in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, though some exceptions exist in certain products like maraschino cherries. The legislative push is firmly rooted in protecting children, who tend to consume more dyes proportionate to their body weight compared to adults.
As the food industry adapts to this change, alternative coloring agents such as beet juice, carmine, and natural pigments from fruits and vegetables are stepping in to replace Red 3. This shift not only caters to regulatory compliance but also aligns with rising consumer demand for safer food products.
This decision from the FDA shows a growing commitment to consumer safety and public health, marking an important step in removing potentially harmful substances from the food supply and empowering consumers to make healthier choices in their diets.
Summary: The U.S. FDA has banned the food dye Red 3 due to cancer risk findings in animal studies. The ban will take effect in 2027 for food and 2028 for drugs, impacting thousands of products. Companies are transitioning to alternative natural colorings, emphasizing a shift towards safer food options.