When the U.S. Food & Drug Administration revoked authorization for the use of food dye additive Red No. 3 in January, the decision likely prompted many questions and concerns among consumers — especially parents and guardians.
To learn what parents and others should know about the FDA ban and the concerns surrounding food dyes, we checked in with Dr. Abby Smolcich, a Pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Darboy.
“Parents and caregivers who are concerned should know they can take steps to avoid dyes and other additives in kids’ diets,” Dr. Smolcich says. “It starts with learning to read food labels and ensuring that your child eats a broad diet of mostly unprocessed foods.”
Food Dye and Additives Concerns FAQs
1. What is Red No. 3?
Red No. 3, also called FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic food dye that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color, according to the FDA.
“Red No. 3 has been primarily used in certain food products, such as candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and frostings and icings, as well as certain ingested drugs,” the agency states.
2. What prompted the ban of Red No. 3?
The decision stemmed from concerns around studies showing that the dye used in many foods could cause cancer in rats, Dr. Smolcich explained.
In announcing its decision, the FDA cited the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The clause prohibits FDA authorization of a food or color additive if it has been found to lead to cancer in humans or animals. The FDA pointed to two studies that showed cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 due to a rat-specific hormonal mechanism.
3. When does the ban take effect?
Manufacturers that use FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs will have until Jan. 15, 2027, or Jan. 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products.
4. Are there other health concerns around food dyes and additives?
Some groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have stated that food dyes and additives may pose health risks to children. In particular, some experts say that artificial food colorings can worsen symptoms for some kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“Studies [cited in the AAP’s ‘Food Additives and Child Health Report] found a significant number of children who cut synthetic food colorings from their diets showed decreased ADHD symptoms,” the group stated.
Other concerns center on nitrites and nitrates, which manufacturers use to preserve food and enhance color, especially in cured and processed meats.
“These chemicals can interfere with thyroid hormone production and the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen in the body. Nitrates and nitrites also have been linked with gastrointestinal and nervous system cancers,” the AAP states.
5. How do you spot food dyes in food labels?
The FDA has eight certified and approved color additives, in addition to FD&C Red No. 3, which will be phased out. These include:
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Blue No. 2
- FD&C Green No. 3
- Orange B
- Citrus Red No. 2
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
“Examine food labels and try to avoid dyes if possible,” Dr. Smolcich says.
Foods that often have dyes include certain types of candy, cereal, ice cream and frozen confections, yogurt, frostings, gelatins, condiments, snack foods, and drinks.
6. How can parents and caregivers help ensure a healthy diet for kids?
“Strive to have kids eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods,” Dr. Smolcich says. “These include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.”
Beyond that, try not to stress too much. Dr. Smolcich notes that it’s difficult to avoid dyes and additives altogether.
“Focus on the big picture. If your child occasionally eats something with a dye or additive, it’s not likely to cause great harm,” she says. “An overall balanced diet will go a long way toward helping ensure your children’s health and well-being.”
