FDA finally bans red dye No. 3 – what this means for food safety in the United States

(NaturalHealth365)  Years ago, those who insisted the food dyes used in sports drinks, food, and other consumer products were labeled conspiracy theorists.  Those once considered to be on the fringes of society are now in the mainstream.  The transition is exemplified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently acknowledging that red dye No. 3 is harmful to the human body.

The federal agency has officially revoked authorization for the dye’s use using the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s Delaney Clause.  However, less harmful variations of red dye are still permissible.

The FDA now admits red dye No. 3 is dangerous to human health

The FDA has finally acknowledged what many of us suspected all along – red dye No. 3 isn’t good for us.  This ban is a big win for food safety in America and for our health overall.

Artificial dyes make our food look prettier, but at what cost?  That bright red color enhancing our drinks, candy, cereal, and even some medications just isn’t worth the health risks.  Over 8,000 food products contained red dye No. 3 a few years back.  Think about it – sodas, cookies, cereals, cake mixes, icings, sprinkles, gum, ice cream … it was everywhere.

As more people started googling ingredients and asking questions online, the FDA finally had to pay attention.  The growing concerns pushed them to take a closer look and actually do something about it.

Here’s the reality: red dye No. 3 and other artificial colors are linked to real health problems.  Kids become more hyperactive, allergic reactions increase, and some animal studies even point to cancer risks.  The evidence speaks for itself.

The FDA is finally taking direct aim at harmful additives

The FDA’s ban on red dye No. 3, also called erythrosine, was made official on January 15, 2025.  Using the dye in food, beverages, and medications is now illegal.  Moreover, the dye cannot be added to dietary supplements.

The surprising twist to the FDA’s decision that most Americans are unaware of is that our federal regulators dragged their feet much longer than governments in other parts of the world.  Red dye No. 3 was restricted in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe years before it was banned in the United States.

California set the tone, implementing a ban on the dye in 2023.  However, the Golden State’s ban won’t be implemented until 2027.  Though public health advocates in California presented convincing evidence linking the dye to carcinogenic risks, the FDA turned a blind eye until this year.

The elimination of red dye No. 3 might only be the beginning of food additive bans in the United States

Red dye No. 3 isn’t the only concerning food coloring in our food supply.  Yellow No. 5, found in Gatorade and many popular products, has been questioned since the 1980s.  Yet, numerous synthetic dyes remain perfectly legal in foods sold across America.

Check your food and drink labels, and you’ll find blue No. 1, yellow No. 5, and yellow No. 6 in everything from baked goods and packaged snacks to medications and cosmetics.

While scientists continue studying these synthetic additives, existing research has already linked them to health problems.  They’ve been connected to increased hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in some people.  More concerning are studies suggesting potential long-term health risks.

The FDA’s ban on red dye No. 3 is commendable but addresses only one part of a larger problem.  A government’s main purpose should be to protect its citizens from potential harm.  If the FDA truly honors its responsibility to public health, it should examine all potentially harmful food dyes with the same scrutiny – putting our well-being above the aesthetic appeal of colored foods.

The solution to the FDA’s incompetence: Engage in conscious consumerism

Let’s say the obvious, the FDA has been compromised by food industry money.  But we still have options.  Your grocery choices matter.  Buying organic, whole foods without artificial additives keeps harmful ingredients out of your body and sends companies a message about what people want.

Read labels before buying food, drinks, medicine, or cosmetics.  You’ll be surprised what’s hiding in everyday products.  Nature makes better food coloring anyway.  Turmeric, beets, spirulina, and purple carrots add color naturally and contain antioxidants that benefit your health.

Speaking up works, too.  Consumer groups have successfully pushed for food safety improvements.  Join them or contact your representatives to help build pressure for better regulations.  Look at Europe – they’ve banned dozens of additives we still allow in America.  Their food industry adapted just fine, showing better standards are completely possible.

Sources for this article include:

FDA.gov
Goodhousekeeping.com

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