Red Dye 3 Is Banned. Here’s What to Know

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced a ban on food dye Red No. 3, per a constituent update published today. The ban is in response to a 2022 color additive petition to remove the dye from food and drug products on the market.

Companies and manufacturers that use this red food dye in their products will have until  January 15, 2027, for food or January 18, 2028, for drugs to change formulas and remove the red dye from their ingredients. The products that will be affected by this ban include candy like Pez and Ring Pops, grocery baked goods such as cupcakes and sugar cookies, Nesquik strawberry milk, Tylenol and various other cereals, desserts and icing products.

In two studies listed in the petition, Red No. 3 was linked to cancer in laboratory male rats after heavy exposure to the food dye. While there is no evidence that red dye 3 can cause cancer in humans or other animals, according to the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the use of food or color additives that could potentially cause cancer in either humans or animals is prohibited. Therefore, the FDA is declaring a ban on the dye.

In the meantime, it will take years for Red No. 3 to be fully off the market. Do you need to avoid the foods that contain Red No. 3? Our dietitian and nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD is weighing in with her thoughts.

“I think it’s positive that the FDA holds consumer safety in high regard and made this decision with that in mind. However, there is limited scientific evidence (and no evidence on humans) about the health risks of Red No. 3,” clarifies Ball. “If you want to avoid it for personal reasons prior to when it is fully off the market, feel free to do so. That said, I don’t think it should be a major cause for concern for most people. In general, focusing on adding more nourishing foods to your diet—like produce, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins—is more beneficial than just focusing on what you want to avoid.” 

This ban does not include other food dyes or red dyes, like Red No. 40. For additional questions or for more information about the red dye ban, contact the FDA by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA.