FDA Bans Red No. 3 in Many Red-Colored Beverages and Foods

Mallory Mulhern, Staff Writer • January 21, 2025

Red No. 3 can commonly be found in several red colored candies, cough syrups, maraschino cherries and strawberry flavored milk drinks.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a ban on the use of Red No. 3, a synthetic red food dye commonly found in candies, baked goods and other processed foods. This decision comes after mounting evidence linked the dye to adverse health effects, including hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects.

Red No. 3 has been a topic of concern for decades, with studies indicating its potential to disrupt normal behavior and contribute to health risks. The dye has been linked to increased hyperactivity in children, exacerbating conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, long-term studies have raised concerns about its role in promoting thyroid tumors in animal models, prompting calls from consumer advocacy groups for stricter regulation.

Red No. 3 is included in the ingredients of the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake popsicle bars. Photo by Mallory Mulhern

The FDA’s recent ban on Red No. 3 in food products echoes earlier actions taken in the late 1990s, when the dye was prohibited in cosmetics. This earlier ban was implemented after scientific studies revealed a concerning link between Red No. 3 and the development of cancerous tumors in laboratory rats.

These findings raised alarms about the dye’s safety, particularly regarding its long-term exposure risks. The cosmetic industry, which had widely used the dye in products such as lipsticks and blush, was forced to reformulate much of its offerings by seeking safer alternatives to achieve similar vibrant red hues.

“Banning Red No. 3 is a vital move toward protecting public health and demonstrates the community’s dedication to removing harmful substances from everyday products” – Shelby Weissman, CVS pharmacist

Public health experts have applauded the FDA’s move, emphasizing the importance of reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances in the food supply, especially for vulnerable populations like children. This action is part of a broader initiative to evaluate and regulate food additives, ensuring they meet contemporary safety standards.

Although a recall of products containing Red No. 3 has not been issued, the FDA has given manufacturers until 2027 to reformulate their recipes and eliminate the dye from their products.

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