The FDA’s Red Dye Ban: What Parents Need to Know
Food dyes have been a controversial topic for decades, with concerns over their safety and potential health effects, especially in children. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action against Red Dye No. 3, restricting its use in food products.
This decision has left many parents wondering about the risks of food dyes, which food dyes are still allowed, and whether they should be concerned about the safety of brightly colored snacks. There is a lot of misinformation floating around, and it can be confusing!
In this post, my goal is to break down what Red Dye 3 is, how it compares to Red Dye 40, which foods and products contain these dyes, and what parents should watch out for when it comes to food safety.
What is Red Dye 3?
Red Dye No. 3 (also called erythrosine) has been used for decades to give foods a cherry-red color. It is not the most commonly used red food dye but can still be found in some brands of candy corn, maraschino cherries, certain brands of gelatin desserts and cake decorations, and some medications.
While Red Dye 3 has been restricted for use in cosmetics for many years, it has remained in food until recently. The FDA has recently placed a precautionary ban on using Red Dye 3 in food and ingested drugs as a proactive step to ensure safety.
The FDA’s recent decision to phase it out means parents will see fewer products containing this dye in the coming years. Food manufacturers have until 2027, and drug manufacturers have until 2028 to comply with the new ban.
Red Dye 3 Health Concerns
Red Dye 3 has been linked to potential health concerns, though the evidence is primarily based on animal studies. Studies found that high doses of Red Dye No. 3 led to an increased risk of thyroid cancer in male rats.
While human risk is still unclear, regulatory agencies agree that the mechanism behind the cancer findings in rats likely does not apply to humans, as the doses used in these studies were much higher than what humans are typically exposed to through food.
Additionally, in rare cases, synthetic dyes can also cause allergic reactions like skin rashes, swelling, or digestive discomfort. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention right away.
Red Dye 40
Unlike Red Dye 3, the food industry still uses Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) widely in products. It is the most commonly used red food dye in the United States and is found in some foods and drinks, including:
Sodas and sports drinks
Breakfast cereals
Fruit snacks
Flavored yogurts
Candy and gummy vitamins
Processed snacks and baked goods
Red Dye 40 has been linked to potential health concerns, including hyperactivity in children, but it remains approved by the FDA. However, California has announced that Red Dye 40 will be banned in school meals starting in 2028, though it will still be allowed in school fundraising sales.
Red Dye 3 vs. Red Dye 40
Many people confuse Red Dye 3 and Red Dye 40, assuming they are interchangeable. While both are synthetic dyes, they have different chemical structures and safety profiles.
Ultimately, Red Dye 3 has been under scrutiny for a long time, and its potential risks to thyroid health have contributed to its FDA ban. Red Dye 40, while controversial, remains in widespread use, though some states and countries have placed restrictions on it.
Is Red Dye Banned in the U.S.?
The FDA has only restricted Red Dye 3, not Red Dye 40 or other synthetic dyes. However, some food safety specialists and consumer advocacy groups continue to push for broader bans, arguing that synthetic dyes are unnecessary in a healthy diet.
While the U.S. allows more food dyes than some other countries, it does require extensive safety testing before approval. The recent action on Red Dye 3 shows that regulatory agencies are willing to make changes when scientific evidence suggests a potential health risk.
Red Dye 40 Banned: Where and Why?
While Red Dye 40 is still legal in the U.S., California passed a law restricting it in school meals starting in 2028. This excludes foods that are used for fundraising.
The European Union has taken a more cautious approach to Red Dye 40, although contrary to popular belief, Red Dye 40 is NOT banned in the EU.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has implemented regulations requiring products containing the Red 40 to carry a warning label indicating that they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
Is Red Dye 3 Banned in Europe?
Unlike the U.S., Europe banned Red Dye 3 in nearly all food products years ago. The only exception is cocktail cherries, where it remains difficult to replicate the expected, specific color without this dye.
It is important to note that Europe may use a different name than the US for the same dye; for example, Red Dye 3 in the US is called E127 in Europe.
Despite what you may hear, Europe does not restrict all food dye use. They do have some more stringent regulations on some dyes, requiring warning labels that indicate possible health risks, such as hyperactivity in Red 40.
Many food dyes used in the US have also been approved for use in Europe. Further, some dyes and additives are approved for use in the US, but not approved in Europe, and vice versa.
As a result, many companies that sell food products in both markets use different colorants in their European versions than in their American versions, which can lead to confusion about regulations.
Red Dye Foods to Avoid
As a pediatric registered dietitian and mom of three, I understand and can relate to the desire to make the healthiest choice for your children. If you are concerned that your child may be negatively affected by food additives, consider prioritizing more minimally processed, whole foods for your child and limiting their access to processed, packaged foods with food additives.
For parents looking to reduce their child’s exposure to artificial dyes, here are some common foods to watch out for:
Brightly Colored Candies and Gummies
Many sweets, including gummy bears, jelly beans, and fruit-flavored hard candies, contain synthetic red dyes
Flavored Drinks and Sodas
Sports drinks, fruit punches, and sodas often contain dyes to enhance their color
Breakfast Cereals
Some cereals targeted at children, especially brightly colored options with fruity flavors, contain artificial dyes
Processed Snacks or “Junk Food”
Colored chips, crackers, and pastries may use synthetic dyes to appear more appealing
Frozen Desserts and Ice Creams
Some brands of ice cream and popsicles use food dyes to achieve vibrant colors
Check ingredient labels for Red 3, Red 40, or "artificial coloring." Opt for products that use natural colorings from sources like beet juice, dragon fruit, turmeric, or annatto. Try to remember, though, that an occasional treat with small amounts of artificial dyes isn’t likely to cause harm. The goal is to focus on overall mindful choices for your family.
Final Thoughts: Should Parents Be Worried?
The FDA’s decision to restrict Red Dye 3 reflects growing concerns about synthetic food dyes, but it’s important to keep the facts in perspective. The risks of synthetic dyes are still debated, with limited direct evidence of harm in humans. Red Dye 3 is also not commonly used, and most people are likely not frequently ingesting foods containing this dye.
While this ban is a great start toward more transparent food manufacturing with higher standards, it is not a reason to panic, though many of the headlines you may have read can lead to fear and shame surrounding food choices.
Ultimately, while banning or avoiding food dyes may make a small change in overall health, the real issue isn’t the dyes, and banning them can distract from larger issues in our food system, like food insecurity, lack of access to fruits and vegetables, and an overwhelming presence of highly processed, sugar-laden foods in our food system, especially those that target children, like candies and snacks.
High-calorie, low-nutrient foods are cheap and accessible, while healthier, whole-food, minimally processed options remain harder for many people to obtain and choose. Swapping an artificial dye for a more natural dye alternative doesn’t change the fact that these highly processed products lack meaningful nutrition, such as healthy fats, fiber, or protein.
In my opinion, if lawmakers and public health advocates genuinely want to make a difference, the focus should be less on removing minor ingredients that have been generally deemed safe by regulatory agencies and more on comprehensive policies that tackle the root causes of poor nutrition and health disparities, such as food insecurity and lack of food access.
Parents who are concerned can opt for products that are free of artificial dyes by reading ingredient labels and choosing naturally colored foods. While food dyes may make foods more visually appealing, they aren’t necessary for a healthy diet, and parents can do their best to help their children focus on colorful, nutritious foods without unnecessary additives.
Thanks for reading! If you have further questions about the impact of artificial dyes on health, please comment below or schedule a virtual one-on-one session with me to address your concerns.