Why Red Dye Was Banned Today
Why Is Red 3 Banned? What You Need to Know About This Food Dye
When I first started paying attention to what I was putting into my body, I was shocked at how many ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce—let alone understand. One of the sneakiest culprits? Artificial food dyes. They’re in everything from cereals and candies to skincare products. Two of the most common dyes I came across were Red 40 and Red 3. If you’ve ever wondered why Red 3 is making headlines—and why it was recently banned in the U.S.—let’s break it down together.
What Is Red 3?
Red 3 (also called Erythrosine) is a synthetic dye used to give food and drugs a bright pinkish-red hue. It’s been commonly found in products like:
Maraschino cherries
Candies
Baked goods
Medications
It’s a xanthene dye, meaning its chemical structure contains iodine, setting it apart from more familiar dyes like Red 40, which is an azo compound.
Health Concerns: Why the Ban?
Concerns around Red 3 aren’t new. Back in the 1990s, studies linked it to thyroid tumors in rats when consumed in high doses. Because of these findings, Red 3 was banned from use in cosmetics and topical drugs decades ago—but it somehow remained approved for food and ingestible medications.
Fast forward to January 2025, and the FDA officially banned Red 3 from food products and ingested drugs after mounting pressure from health advocacy groups and emerging research linking it to cancer risks.
Red 3 vs. Red 40: What's the Difference?
While Red 3 is now off the table, Red 40 is still widely used and considered safe by regulatory agencies. Here's a quick comparison:
Red 40: Derived from petroleum, produces a red-orange hue, and is commonly used in candies, drinks, and cosmetics. Some concerns exist about hyperactivity and allergic reactions.
Red 3: Derived from iodine-containing compounds, produces a bright pink hue, and is now banned due to carcinogenic risks.
Why Does This Matter?
As someone passionate about holistic wellness, I believe it’s important to understand what we’re putting into our bodies. While occasional exposure to artificial dyes might not harm you, the cumulative effects can be concerning. Thankfully, there are plenty of natural alternatives for those looking to avoid synthetic additives—like beetroot powder, spirulina, and turmeric.
How to Avoid Artificial Dyes
Check Labels: Red 3 and other synthetic dyes are usually listed by name or number.
Choose Natural Alternatives: Many brands now use plant-based colorants.
DIY Treats: Homemade snacks let you control the ingredients.
The recent ban on Red 3 is a step in the right direction for consumer health. But there’s still work to be done to make our food system cleaner and safer. Being mindful of what we consume is a small but powerful way to prioritize wellness.
