On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove Red Dye No. 3 from their products.[1]
The artificial dye is used to give some foods and medications their red and pink hues. Hearing that certain ingredients are going to be banned — but not for two years — can feel scary, especially if you have little ones or are pregnant. Here’s what medical professionals want you to know.
The FDA has banned Red 3 synthetic dye in all foods, including many children's items, beginning January 2027. These dyes are commonly found in cookies and candy, according to the FDA.
A family diet rich in whole foods and lots of vegetables and fruits is the best way to avoid food additives and dyes.
You don't have to throw out any foods with Red 3 in them — but when it comes time to replace them, experts recommend buying options without the Red 3 when you can.
Why is Red 3 being banned?
The decision to ban Red 3 comes in response to advocacy organizations and U.S. lawmakers petitioning for it. Research has shown that male laboratory rats exposed to high levels of Red No. 3 are more likely to get cancer, according to the FDA.[2] Studies on other animals and humans did not show the same results.
Some other countries, including the European Union, already have bans on this dye in place.
What children’s foods contain Red 3?
Red 3 is the bright red coloring that gives certain foods and medications that signature cherry hue. It can be found in candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, frostings and icings, according to the FDA.[3]
The ingredient can be found listed on labels under the names "FD&C," "erythrosine" or "Red #3.” It's a good idea to check the ingredients list on the labels of your children's favorite red foods at the grocery store, suggests Diana Guevara, R.D., a nutritionist in Houston. She also notes that some products are made with natural substitutes for food coloring, like turmeric, tomato powder or beet juice.
If you're pregnant, should you avoid Red 3?
Right now, the information available on this is limited. “There’s a lack of research specifically on how or if Red 3 exposure affects pregnancy,” says Scott W. Smilen, M.D., an OB/GYN in New Jersey. "If you’re pregnant and have concerns, it’s a good idea to talk to your OB/GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist."
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Many of the foods that contain Red 3 aren’t the most nutritious choices anyway, Dr. Smilen adds. For a healthy pregnancy, it’s important to focus on a nutrient-rich diet and limit processed foods, which tend to be the ones with food dyes. "Choosing more whole foods — like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is a great way to avoid food dyes," she says.
And don't stress if you've already had some Red 3. There’s no research that confirms that exposure to typical amounts of Red 3 has serious health effects on children, babies or pregnant women, according to the FDA.[4]
How can you reduce Red Dye No. 3 in your family’s diet?
If you have foods with Red 3 dye in your cabinets, there's no need to immediately throw them away, says Guevara. But on your next trip to the grocery store, she suggests looking for options without the dye.
You can reduce your intake of Red 3 by focusing on a plant-rich diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes. While there isn’t enough evidence yet to say you have to completely avoid Red 3, eating fewer ultra-processed foods in general — whether or not they contain the dye — will leave more room for healthier, nutrient-rich foods, says Guevara.
If you have any concerns about what you or your family are eating, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician.
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