As of Jan. 15. the Food and Drug Administration has banned Red Dye No. 3 due to various health concerns.
According to the FDA, Red No. 3, also known as Red Dye 3 or erythrosine, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum that gives certain foods and drinks a bright, cherry red color. Red No. 3 is commonly found in cocktail cherries, candies, cakes, vitamins, cough drops, and even vegetarian meats. It is expected to be phased out of food products by Jan. 15, 2027, and out of ingested drugs by Jan. 18, 2028.
The FDA’s decision to revoke its use was a response to a 2020 color additive petition. In the early 1980’s, a series of studies funded by the National Toxicity Program found that while they don’t occur in humans, high doses of Red No. 3 causes thyroid tumors in male rats, and current studies suggest Red No. 3 may be a trigger for hyperactivity in kids, specifically with ADHD. While there is no direct link between the two, the potential concerns are real.
While the United States is considerably behind when it comes to restrictions on synthetic dyes, the European Union has taken a more aggressive approach, outright banning it with the exception for cocktail cherries. Countries such as Norway and Iceland banned it’s use altogether, prioritizing consumer safety. In California, Governor Gavin Newsome has already passed legislation banning certain additives, including Red Dye No. 3.
With most color additives off the table, many companies are looking to replace them with more natural additives to maintain the vibrant colors consumers expect. Popular substitutes include pomegranate juice, beetroot juice, paprika extract, turmeric and spirulina. These plant-based additives are already widely used in Europe as synthetic dyes face tighter restrictions.
Some U.S. food manufacturers have begun reformulating recipes to match international standards, gradually phasing out petroleum-based dyes in favor of natural ones. Major brands like Nestle, General Mills and Kraft have experimented with switching to natural colorants in cereals and candies, though challenges remain—natural dyes often fade faster and can change with heat or light exposure.
As health awareness grows in upcoming generations, experts believe that the U.S. will continue moving towards stricter regulations, as the FDA is already working to ban the rest of the synthetic dyes. For students, this may mean seeing fewer neon-colored snacks in the vending machines and store aisles.
