Red dye 3 outlawed in US foods, drugs: What you need to know

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring food and drug manufacturers to eliminate Red dye 3 or Red dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, from their products. This action follows concerns over the dye’s cancer-causing properties when consumed, as revealed in a study that showed its harmful effects on rats.

Red dye 3’s controversial past

Banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications for decades, Red 3 remained approved for use in food and drink until recently.

Despite mounting health concerns, the dye continued to be found in various snack foods and beverages, prompting calls for more stringent regulations.

Why you should check ingredient labels

Consumer advocates closely monitor companies that still use Red 3, and many have already switched to safer alternatives. However, shoppers are urged to remain vigilant and check ingredient labels, especially for products containing red hues.

While many brands have phased out Red 3, it is still prevalent in certain food and beverage categories.

Where Red 3 is commonly found

While Red 3 is no longer widespread, it is still present in some popular products. Below is a breakdown of where you may encounter the dye.

Candies

Red 3 is found in classic candies like Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Brach’s Candy Corn. However, other popular red candy brands, including Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, now use Red 40.

Baked goods and snacks

Many baked goods and snacks, especially those with red icing, still use Red 3. For example, Betty Crocker’s Red Decorating Icing contains Red 3. However, Pillsbury’s Funfetti Valentine’s Day Vanilla Frosting opts for Red 40.

Dairy and frozen foods

Red 3 is also present in some strawberry-flavored dairy and frozen items. TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk, for instance, contains Red 3. On the other hand, brands like Edy’s Strawberry Ice Cream and Popsicle-brand fruit pops have shifted to using beet juice as a natural colorant.

Fruit products

Though many maraschino cherry brands, including those from Walmart and Kroger, have moved to Red 40, Kroger’s Extra Cherry canned fruit cocktail still contains Red 3.

Beverages

In the world of beverages, Red 3 can be found in Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake. However, many other drinks, including Hawaiian Punch, Kool-Aid, Fanta, Jarritos strawberry sodas, and Faygo black cherry soda, now use Red 40.

Medications

Some gummy vitamins and medications still contain Red 3, though many brands have switched to natural coloring or alternative dyes. Notably, Vicks Formula 44, Luden’s, and Halls cough drops all use Red 40, along with Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussin Adult Cough and Chest Congestion, and Vick’s NyQuil Cold and Flu.

What this means for consumers

As the FDA cracks down on Red 3, consumers can expect to see changes on the shelves. The move marks a step toward safer alternatives in food and medicine, but the key for consumers remains vigilance. Always check ingredient labels to stay informed about what’s in your food and medications.

The FDA’s action to remove Red 3 from consumer products marks an important milestone in consumer safety. With this dye banned in cosmetics and non-oral medications and now removed from many foods and drugs, it underscores a growing push for cleaner, safer ingredients in everyday products.