Is Red Dye #3 Safe for Kids? Why Experts Say It’s Time for a Ban
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If you’ve ever inspected the label of your kiddo’s favorite snacks or drinks, you may have come across "Red Dye #3" or "Erythrosine." These artificial food colorings are found in everything from candies and frostings to medications. However, growing concerns about Red Dye #3’s potential health risks have led to calls for its ban in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about Red Dye #3, why it’s controversial, and how to navigate this red-hot issue as a parent.
What is Red Dye #3?
Red Dye #3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic dye made from petroleum and used to give foods, drinks, and other products their vibrant red or pink hue. Unlike Red Dye #40, Red Dye #3 is chemically distinct and has been the subject of additional scrutiny due to its potential health impacts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for limited use in food products but banned its use in cosmetics and externally applied drugs after studies linked it to cancer in animal tests.
Despite this partial ban, Red Dye #3 is still allowed in many food products in the U.S., including brightly colored candies and snack foods. Advocacy groups and public health experts argue that this inconsistency leaves consumers—especially children—at risk of unnecessary exposure to a potentially harmful substance.
Why is Red Dye #3 controversial?
The primary concern surrounding Red Dye #3 is its potential to cause cancer. Animal studies conducted in the 1980s showed that high doses of Red Dye #3 led to thyroid tumors in rats. While these results have not been conclusively replicated in humans, the FDA banned Red Dye #3 in cosmetics based on this evidence but did not extend the ban to food and oral medications.
Advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other public health organizations have long pushed for a complete ban on Red Dye #3, arguing that its continued use in food products is inconsistent with existing safety data. In 2023, California became the first state to pass legislation restricting the use of Red Dye #3 in food products, paving the way for broader regulatory changes. (This law will go into effect in 2027!)
Like other synthetic dyes, Red Dye #3 has been linked to behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity and attention problems. While research in this area is ongoing, some experts recommend avoiding artificial dyes altogether as a precaution.
Where Red Dye #3 Is Found— and How to Spot It
Red Dye #3 is commonly found in:
- Candies and sweets: Gummy candies, jellybeans, frostings, and maraschino cherries often contain Red Dye #3.
- Medications and vitamins: Chewable vitamins, cough syrups, and some over-the-counter medications may include Red Dye #3.
- Baked goods: Some cakes, cookies, and pastries use Red Dye #3 for decoration or as a color enhancer.
To identify Red Dye #3 on product labels, look for "Erythrosine" or "FD&C Red No. 3" in the ingredients list.
Steps Being Taken to Ban Red Dye #3
California’s 2023 legislation aims to ban the use of Red Dye #3, making it one of the first states to take significant action against synthetic dyes. This move has added pressure on the FDA to reconsider its approval of the dye in food products nationwide. Organizations like EWG continue to push for federal regulations banning Red Dye #3, citing its potential risks and the availability of safer alternatives. And the pressure appears to be working: Some companies are voluntarily removing Red Dye #3 from their products in response to consumer demand. They’re increasingly turning to natural alternatives, like beet juice or carmine.
What Parents Can Do About Red Dye #3
If you’re concerned about Red Dye #3, here are some practical tips:
- Read labels carefully: Look for "Red Dye #3," "Erythrosine," or "FD&C Red No. 3" on ingredient lists. Choose products that use natural colorings…or none at all!
- Limit processed foods: The truth is, lots of processed snacks and candies contain artificial dyes. When possible, opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
- Advocate for change: Support legislation and brands that are working to eliminate synthetic dyes from their products.
The Bottom Line on Red Dye #3 for Kids
The growing movement to ban Red Dye #3 reflects increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with synthetic dyes. As more states and companies move away from Red Dye #3, parents can help drive change by making informed choices and advocating for safer, more natural substitutes. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can reduce your family’s exposure to unnecessary additives and support healthier, more transparent food practices.
For more tips on navigating food labels and advocating for safer ingredients, visit EWG.org.
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REFERENCES
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FD&C Red No. 3.”
- The New Lede. “Spotlight on Cancer-Causing Food Additive as Advocates Demand FDA Ban Red Dye 3.” Published December 2024.
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. “Health Effects Assessment for FD&C Red No. 3.” California OEHHA, April 2021.
- Environmental Health Journal. “Associations Between Artificial Food Dyes and Behavioral Issues in Children.” Environmental Health, 2022; 21:849.
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