As you may have seen in the news earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of red dye no. 3 in all food and drugs sold in the United States. This ban goes into effect on Jan. 15, 2027 for food items and Jan. 18, 2028 for drugs.
Why Is Red Dye No. 3 Banned
In 2022, several food safety and health organizations petitioned the FDA to ban red dye no. 3. They cited studies that pointed to a link between the dye and behavioral issues in children. They also cited two studies that showed exposure to high levels of the dye caused cancer in lab rats. However, it’s important to note that the amount of red dye no. 3 given to the lab rats is far higher than what a typical person consumes. Additionally, other studies have not shown the dye to cause cancer in humans or other animals.
What Foods Contain Red Dye No. 3
Red dye no. 3 gives food and drinks a bright red color. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, red dye no. 3 is in more than 9,200 different products. What first come to mind are artificially colored food and drinks, such as candy, cakes, cookies, frozen desserts and frostings — foods most often eaten by children. But it can also be found in some brands of vegetarian bacon, Spanish rice, vitamins and cough syrups.
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What Should Parents Do?
There is no right or wrong answer to this. Tips I’d offer any family about nutritious eating habits would apply to red dye no. 3.
To start, limit sugary drinks and candy as this is where many food dyes are found. It’s always a good idea to choose healthy, wholesome, non-processed foods for your family as often as possible. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts/seeds and bean/legumes are staples of any healthy diet. These foods will naturally be free of food dyes and additives.
If you’re concerned about red dye no. 3, be sure to read nutrition labels carefully. Look for “Artificial Color (Red #3)” on the list of ingredients. Thankfully, there are many companies that use natural food coloring alternatives.
This might be the most difficult advice to follow, but do NOT follow “influencers” on social media that have an agenda. If they’re using scare tactics or trying to sell you something, it’s usually best to ignore what they have to say. These influencers can be easily spotted if they are just throwing out information without scientific evidence to back it up.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about what your child is eating, dietitians at Children’s Wisconsin are always here for you.
