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After the controversial red food coloring was banned in the US, more questions continue to arise about its use. On Jan. 15, the Food and Drug Administration announced it was revoking its approval of Red No. 3 in foods, beverages and ingestible drugs nationwide after two studies showed that when the dye was ingested in large amounts by lab rats, it caused cancer.
The ban also comes after the state of California banned the same dye and three other food additives in 2023, giving manufacturers until 2027. to change their recipes. Then in 2024 California made history again by banning the use of six more artificial colors – Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 – in public schools.
Now the FDA has followed suit by banning Red No. 3. Here’s everything you need to know about synthetic paint.
What is Red Number 3?
Red No. 3 — also known as FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine, or Red 3 — is a synthetic dye that is made from petroleum and adds a « bright, cherry-red color » to the products to which it is added.
In 1990 The FDA banned Red No. 3 from cosmetics, but no law prohibits the synthetic dye from being added to many types of food and beverages for decades to come.
The FDA cited the Delaney Clause as the reason for the ban, which « prohibits FDA approval of a food additive or colorant if it is found to cause cancer in humans or animals. »
Although studies have shown a link to cancer in laboratory rats, no link has been found between the dye and cancer in humans.
« Although there are studies showing carcinogenicity in male rats, the FDA noted in its announcement that the hormonal mechanism by which the dye causes cancer in rats is animal-specific and not found in humans, » Brian Hitchcock, Chief Science and Technology Officer from the Institute of Food Technology, told CNET.
Hitchcock added that the studies used large amounts of the dye, which is more than what the average person would consume when eating foods containing it.
“The studies testing Red No. 3 for human safety, have done so in quantities well above the average amount of consumption as noted by various global regulatory bodies,” he says. « Studies cited by the FDA noted that rats were given approximately 200 times the probable maximum daily intake of 0.25 mg/kg body weight per day. »
What foods contain Red #3?
- candies
- Cakes
- cupcakes
- Cookies
- Frozen desserts
- Glazes
- glazes
- Some Maraschino cherries
- Some processed meats and meat substitutes
Red No. 3 was previously banned in other countries, including Japan and Australia.
Some specific items that currently have Red #3 in their ingredient list are:
- Multiple varieties of Brach’s candies, including Classic Jelly Beans, Spiced Jelly Beans and Conversation Hearts
- MorningStar Farms Vegetable Bacon Strips
- Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Dessert Bars
- Pez candy
According to a list compiled by Drugs.com, some of the drugs that have Red Number 3 in them include:
- Acetaminophen
- Doxycycline monohydrate
- Gabapentin
- Vivance
When will companies officially remove Red No. 3 of the products?
Despite the ban, don’t expect the number 3 red ingredient to disappear from ingredient lists too quickly. According to the FDA, companies will have until 2027 or 2028. to remove it from their products.
“Manufacturers using FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs, will have until January 15, 2027, respectively. or January 18, 2028 to reformulate their products,” the FDA statement said.
Alternatives to Red #3
Givaudan Sense Colour, a manufacturing company that creates natural colorants for food and drink, has highlighted three possible alternatives to Red No. 3. They include carmine, which is actually made from bugs; betacyanins found in beets; and anthocyanins extracted from fruits and vegetables.
California Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel told NBC News that while synthetic dyes can be cheaper than other alternatives, he doesn’t believe banning Red No. 3 will lead to a change in the prices of the affected products.
« We don’t expect the price of any food to increase, » he told the outlet.
As for alternative synthetic dyes, Red 40, which is not banned by the FDA, can also help achieve a bright red color, so it is also a possible alternative that manufacturers will choose.
Are other coloring additives safe?
After the ban on red number 3, there are now eight color additives approved by the FDA. They are FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6.
Hitchcock says studies so far show there is no discernible risk from consuming these dyes.
« Although the science tells us there is little or no risk in consuming other synthetic dyes, it is important to continue to monitor and evaluate the safety of food ingredients, » he says. « It is imperative that we continue to invest in more scientific research into the health of our food to ensure consumer safety and peace of mind. »
According to the FDA, the above dyes do not pose the same possible risks as Red No. 3, which is why they are still available for use in the US. But some studies have shown possible links between certain dyes and potential health conditions. For example, some studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but further studies are still needed to establish a direct link between the dye and the condition.
When asked about the safety of other food dyes, Hitchcock emphasized the need for transparency from the FDA, which he says the agency is addressing.
« We believe there should be a clear framework for post-marketing review of dietary supplement safety, » says Hitchcock. « FDA is actively working to address this issue, as evidenced by their ‘Development of an Improved Systematic Process for FDA Postmarket Evaluation of Food Chemicals.’ IFT believes that the FDA should provide a post-market evaluation of food chemical safety that is transparent, science-based, ingredient-informed, and timely.
If a drink looks too red to be natural, it probably is.
The bottom line
Red No. 3 is completely banned in the US, but will continue to be used in food for the next two years as manufacturers work to change their recipes. However, some manufacturers make changes much faster than that.
In an email to CBS News, Keurig Dr Pepper said a « new formula » for the strawberry-flavored Yoo-hoo drink, which is currently made with Red No. 3 to help achieve its color, « will be on shelves before the end of the year. »
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