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The FDA's Ban on Red Dye No. 3:

A Long-Awaited Decision

So, here is the recent tea with artificial dye in foods:

After decades of debate and mounting evidence of health concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a sweeping ban on Red Dye No. 3 in January 2025, marking a significant shift in American food safety regulation. The synthetic color additive, which has brightened everything from candies to cough syrups since the 1950s, will be phased out of food products by 2027 and medications by 2028. This decision builds upon the FDA's previous actions, when the dye was already banned from cosmetics and topical medications in 1990. Why not digestible sources though?

A wave of regulatory measures targeting Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) has emerged across the United States. California took the lead in October 2023 by passing legislation to ban the additive in food products starting in 2027. This was followed by Illinois' introduction of Senate Bill 93 (the "Food Safety Act") in early 2025, which proposes similar restrictions with bipartisan backing.

Manufacturers have been given a transition period to remove all Red Dye No. 3 from their products by January 2027, pharmaceutical companies have until January 2028. This regulation aligns the United States with several other regions, including Europe, Australia and New Zealand, where the dye has long been prohibited in food products.

The ban represents more than just the elimination of a single food coloring – it signals a broader transformation in how regulators approach food additives and reflects growing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredients. While consumer advocacy groups have welcomed this development as a victory for public health, some parents have voiced frustration about the extended implementation timeline, citing ongoing concerns about their children's exposure to artificial additives during the transition period.

To this I say, BOYCOTT! Stop buying the drinks and the foods with dyes in them. If you haven't started the artificial dye-free journey already, I have some tips for you.

Quick Jump Guide:

• The FDA's Partial Ban

• Broader Implications of the Red Dye No. 3 Ban

• American Brands vs. Other Countries

• Ditch the Dyes

• Common Food Dye Names and Nicknames

• Reading Labels for Food Dyes

• Hidden Sources of Artificial Dyes

The FDA's Partial Ban

The FDA's decision to only partially ban Red Dye No. 3 in 1990, despite evidence of cancer in rat studies, reflects the complex nature of food safety regulation. When the agency banned the dye in cosmetics and external medications, they chose to allow its continued use in food and oral medications due to several intertwining factors. The FDA's interpretation of the Delaney Clause, which prohibits cancer-causing additives, initially focused on demonstrating significant human risk. While they acknowledged the animal studies showing thyroid cancer, they argued that the mechanism causing cancer in rats might not apply to humans, and questions arose about whether the levels used in these studies were relevant to human consumption.

Economic considerations played a crucial role in this decision. The food industry, especially Maraschino Cherries, strongly argued that an immediate and complete removal would cause significant market disruption, as manufacturers needed time to research and develop alternative colorings. There were also serious concerns about the availability of suitable replacement dyes at the time. The FDA employed a risk-benefit analysis suggesting that the cancer risk from food uses was minimal, which led them to prioritize removing the dye from cosmetics due to direct skin contact...but our internal organs didn't matter as much..?

The political and regulatory environment of the time also influenced the decision. The FDA faced significant industry pressure to maintain the dye's food uses, and the regulatory framework made it more challenging to ban additives already in widespread use. The agency also had to consider potential legal challenges if they pursued a complete ban. The recent 2025 decision to fully ban Red Dye No. 3 came after decades of additional research, shifting consumer preferences, increased availability of alternative colorings, and evolving interpretations of food safety regulations. This timeline demonstrates how regulatory decisions are shaped by a complex interplay of scientific evidence, economic impacts, political considerations and practical implementation challenges.

Broader Implications of the Red Dye No. 3 Ban

The FDA's decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 has sparked renewed attention on the eight remaining FDA-approved synthetic food colorings: Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, and Citrus Red 2. These dyes, widely used to enhance food appearance, face increasing scrutiny over their potential health effects.

Research has highlighted possible health concerns, particularly regarding children's neurobehavioral health. A 2021 California assessment linked several common dyes - including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and the Blue and Green variants - to symptoms like hyperactivity and attention issues in sensitive children, which I can attest to in my children. It's rather freaky the change in behavior that artificial dyes bring out in my kids. This is why we opted out of the artificial dye culture. These findings have prompted state-level responses, with California banning certain food additives effective 2027, and Illinois considering similar legislation through Senate Bill 93.

The Red Dye No. 3 ban has pushed manufacturers to explore alternative coloring options, particularly natural dyes from plant and mineral sources. While these natural alternatives may offer safety advantages, they present technical challenges including color stability issues, increased production costs and less intense coloring capabilities.

This regulatory development is marking a turning point in food manufacturing practices. As consumer awareness grows, companies may proactively reformulate products to eliminate synthetic dyes altogether, potentially accelerating an industry-wide shift toward natural ingredients. While Red Dye No. 3 is currently the only banned synthetic color, this precedent could influence future regulation of other artificial food colorings.

American Brands vs. Other Countries

Many popular American brands maintain different formulations of the same products for different markets, particularly when it comes to food coloring. This practice became more noticeable after European countries began restricting artificial dyes. For instance, Kellogg's produces Froot Loops, Nutri-Grain bars and other cereals using natural colors derived from fruits, vegetables and spices for European markets, while continuing to use artificial dyes in U.S. versions. The European versions achieve similar visual appeal using natural alternatives like annatto, beetroot, paprika extract and turmeric.

Mars Wrigley follows a similar pattern with M&Ms and Skittles. The European versions use natural colorings like carrot juice concentrate and beetroot red, while American versions contain artificial dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 5. Similarly, Kraft Heinz reformulated many products, including their iconic macaroni and cheese, using paprika, annatto and turmeric for European markets years before making similar changes in the U.S.

McDonald's provides another striking example. Their strawberry sundae sauce in the UK is colored with real strawberries and beetroot juice, while the U.S. version has traditionally used Red 40. Their burger chain rival, Burger King, uses natural colors for their strawberry shakes in the UK but artificial ones in America. Even Nestlé's candies like Smarties underwent reformulation in Europe to use natural colors while maintaining artificial dyes in similar products sold in the United States.

This dual formulation approach raises questions about why companies don't simply use the natural formulations globally. The reasons often cited include cost differences, shelf stability concerns and varying consumer expectations about food appearance, not health. However, as consumer awareness grows and more research emerges about artificial dyes, there's increasing pressure on these companies to align their U.S. products with their European counterparts, and for good reasons.

Ditch the Dyes

Avoiding artificial dyes requires mindful shopping and label reading. Start by checking ingredient lists carefully - artificial dyes often appear as numbers with colors (like Red 40, Yellow 5 or Blue 1) or may be listed as "artificial color" or "FD&C" followed by a color and number. Focus your shopping on whole, unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains, which naturally don't contain artificial colorings.

When buying packaged foods, look for products specifically labeled as "no artificial colors" or those using natural colorings from sources like beet juice, turmeric, spirulina or annatto. Many natural and organic brands have committed to using only natural dyes. Consider making more foods from scratch, which gives you complete control over ingredients (..ideally..). This is particularly important for items that commonly contain artificial dyes, such as baked goods, candies, beverages and snack foods.

Children's products often contain artificial dyes, so pay special attention to items like cereals, fruit snacks, flavored drinks and candies. Look for naturally colored alternatives or choose unflavored versions of foods like yogurt and then add fresh fruit for color and flavor. When dining out, don't hesitate to ask about ingredients or request dishes without artificial colorings. Many restaurants can accommodate such requests, especially when it comes to beverages and desserts.

Creating a "safe list" of brands and products you've verified as artificial dye-free can make shopping easier over time. Consider using smartphone apps that scan product barcodes and flag artificial ingredients. Remember that some unexpected items like medications, vitamins and personal care products may also contain artificial dyes, so extend your label reading beyond just food items. While avoiding artificial dyes completely can be challenging in today's food environment, these strategies can help significantly reduce your exposure.

Common Food Dye Names and Nicknames

Red Dyes:

• Red 40 (Allura Red AC, E129, FD&C Red 40) Used in: candies, cereals, soft drinks, sports drinks

• Red 3 (Erythrosine, E127, FD&C Red 3) Used in: candies, popsicles, cake decorating gels

• Red 40 Lake (same as Red 40 but in a form that doesn't dissolve in water) Used in: hard candies, coated tablets, cosmetics

Yellow Dyes:

• Yellow 5 (Tartrazine, E102, FD&C Yellow 5) Used in: potato chips, pickles, cereals, pet food

• Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF, E110, FD&C Yellow 6) Used in: orange-flavored drinks, candy, baked goods

Blue Dyes:

• Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF, E133, FD&C Blue 1) Used in: ice cream, packaged foods, soft drinks

• Blue 2 (Indigotine, E132, FD&C Blue 2) Used in: pet food, candies, snack foods

Green Dyes:

• Green 3 (Fast Green FCF, E143, FD&C Green 3) Used in: canned vegetables, packaged foods, beverages

Orange/Citrus Dyes:

• Orange B (only approved for hot dog and sausage casings)

• Citrus Red 2 (only approved for coloring orange peels)

Remember that manufacturers sometimes combine multiple dyes to achieve specific colors, so you might see several listed on a single product.

Reading Labels For Food Dyes

Front of Package Terminology:

• "No artificial colors" means synthetic dyes aren't used, but natural colors might be

• "Naturally colored" typically means colors from fruits, vegetables or minerals

• "Colors from natural sources" is similar to "naturally colored"

• "Made with natural ingredients" doesn't guarantee absence of artificial dyes - always check the ingredient list

• "Artificial colors" or "artificial colors added" indicates synthetic dyes are present

Ingredient List Navigation:

• Scan for FD&C followed by a color and number (like FD&C Red 40)

• Look for E-numbers (European codes like E133)

• Watch for "artificial color," "artificial coloring" or just "color added"

• Check for "lake" versions of colors (these are water-insoluble forms)

• Be aware that multiple dyes might be listed separately

• Remember that ingredients are listed by quantity, from most to least

Common Hiding Places:

• "Colors" or "colored with" without specifying natural or artificial

• Generic terms like "color added" or "includes color"

• Combined ingredient listings like "natural and artificial colors"

• Ingredient sub-lists in parentheses

• "Other ingredients" sections

• Supplemental facts panels on vitamins and supplements

Smart Shopping Strategies:

• Create a reference list of acceptable natural colors (like beet juice, turmeric, spirulina)

• Take photos of products you've verified as dye-free

• Use shopping apps that scan barcodes and flag artificial ingredients

• Look for third-party certifications that verify natural ingredients

• Consider shopping at stores that have strict artificial dye policies

• When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly for clarification

Remember that ingredient lists can change without notice, so it's good practice to re-check labels periodically, even on familiar products.

Medications and Health Products:

• Pain relievers (especially children's versions)

• Cough syrups and throat lozenges

• Antacids and digestive medicines

• Prescription pill coatings and capsules

• Children's antibiotics, particularly liquid forms

• Allergy medications

• Nutritional supplements and vitamins (especially gummies)

• Dental products (toothpaste, mouthwash, fluoride treatments)

• Bandages and first-aid products

Personal Care Items:

• Shampoos and conditioners

• Body washes and bubble baths

• Hand soaps (especially foam and gel types)

• Deodorants

• Facial cleansers and scrubs

• Moisturizers and lotions

• Sunscreens

• Lip balms and lip products

• Hair dyes and temporary hair colors

• Face paints and theatrical makeup

Household Products:

• Laundry detergents

• Dish soaps

• Surface cleaners

• Air fresheners

• Toilet bowl cleaners

• Paper products (colored napkins, paper towels)

• Trash bags

• Hand sanitizers

• Scented markers and highlighters

Children's Items:

• Play dough and modeling clay

• Finger paints

• Stamps and ink pads

• Sidewalk chalk

• Bubble solution

• Face paint

• Washable markers

• School supplies (especially items marked as "scented")

• Stickers and temporary tattoos

Pet Products:

• Dry and wet pet foods

• Pet treats and chews

• Pet shampoos and grooming products

• Pet medications and supplements

• Pet toys (especially rubber or plastic ones)

• Fish food

Food-Adjacent Items:

• Food packaging materials

• Disposable plates and cups

• Decorative cake sprinkles

• Food stamps and ink used on meat

• Wax coatings on fruits and vegetables

• Gift wrap and tissue paper that may contact food

• Food storage containers

Hidden Sources of Artificial Dyes

These hidden sources are particularly important to consider for individuals with dye sensitivities, as exposure can come from unexpected products beyond just food items. When trying to avoid dyes, it's helpful to maintain a list of safe products once you've identified them through careful label reading.

Conclusion

The landscape of artificial food dyes continues to evolve, with increasing awareness driving significant changes in both regulation and consumer choices. As we've seen with the recent FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 and similar actions worldwide, there's a clear shift toward more careful scrutiny of these synthetic colorings. The challenge for consumers isn't just about avoiding obvious sources like candies and colored beverages – it's about recognizing and navigating the complex web of hidden sources in everyday products, from medications to personal care items.

While completely avoiding artificial dyes may seem difficult in today's world, it is possible. Reading labels, understanding alternative names for dyes and staying aware of hidden sources empowers consumers to make conscious decisions about their exposure to these substances. As more research emerges about potential health impacts, particularly on sensitive individuals and children, the importance of this knowledge becomes even more critical.

For those concerned about artificial dyes, the key is to stay informed, read labels carefully, and make choices aligned with their personal health needs and comfort levels. Whether choosing to completely avoid artificial dyes or simply reduce exposure, understanding where these substances appear – both obviously and hidden – is the first step toward making informed decisions about what we consume and use in our daily lives.

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