9 Foods Containing Now-Banned Red Dye No. 3

then a Controversial red food dye banned in the USmore questions about its use continued to arise. On January 15th The Food and Drug Administration announced It said it revoked its approval of Red No. 3 in food, beverages and drugs taken nationwide after two studies showed the dye caused cancer when ingested in high amounts by lab rats.

The ban also comes after the state California banned the same dye and three other food additives in 2023gave manufacturers until 2027 to change their recipes. Then in 2024, California made history again banning six more artificial colors — Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 — from serving public schools.

Now the FDA has followed suit by banning Red #3. Here’s everything you need to know about synthetic dye.

What is Red #3?

Red #3 — Also known as FD&C Red #3, erythrosine, or Red 3 — is a synthetic dye, ie made of oil and adds a “bright, cherry-red color” to products to which it is added.

In 1990, the FDA banned Red #3 in cosmetics, but no law has stopped the synthetic dye from being added to numerous foods and beverages for decades.

The FDA cited this Delaney Dam As the main reason for the ban, “a food additive or color additive is prohibited from FDA approval if it is found to cause cancer in humans or animals.”

Although studies have shown a link to cancer in lab rats, no link has been found between dye and cancer in humans.

“Although there are studies showing carcinogenicity in male rats, the FDA noted in its announcement that the hormonal mechanism by which the dye causes cancer in rats is animal-specific and does not occur in humans,” said Bryan Hitchcock, chief science and technology officer. The Institute of Food Technologists told CNET about this.

Hitchcock added that the studies used large amounts of dye, more than the average person would consume when eating the foods that contain it.

“Studies testing Red #3 for human safety have done so at levels well above average consumption levels as outlined by various global regulatory bodies,” he said. “Studies cited by the FDA indicate that rats were fed roughly This is 200 times the maximum daily intake of .25 mg/kg body weight per day.”

What foods contain Red #3?

1. Sweets
2. Cakes
3. Cupcakes
4. Cookies
5. Frozen desserts
6. Frosts
7. Icings
8. Certain Maraschino cherries
9. Certain processed meats and meat substitutes

Here are some specific ingredients that are currently Red #3 on the ingredients list:

• Multiple varieties of Brach’s candies, including Classic Jelly Beans, Spicy Jelly Beans, and Conversation Hearts
• MorningStar Farms Plant-Based Bacon Strips
• Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Dessert Bars
• Pez candy

according to List compiled by Drugs.comSome medications that contain Red #3 include:

• Acetaminophen
• Doxycycline monohydrate
• Gabapentin
• Vyvanse

When will companies officially remove Red #3 from products?

Despite the ban, don’t expect Red #3 to disappear from ingredient lists any time soon. According to the FDA, companies must remove it from their products by 2027 or 2028.

“Manufacturers using FD&C Red No. 3 in food and oral drugs will have until January 15, 2027 or January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products,” the FDA said in a statement.

Alternatives to Red #3

Givaudan Sense Coloremphasized that it is a manufacturing company that creates natural food and beverage dyes Three possible alternatives to Red #3. They actually contain carmine made of insects; betacyanins in beets; and derived anthocyanins fruits and vegetables.

California Congressman Jesse Gabriel said NBC News Although synthetic dyes may be cheaper than other alternatives, Red 3 does not believe the ban will change the prices of the affected products.

“We do not expect the price of any food to increase,” he said.

As for alternative synthetic dyes, Red 40Not banned by the FDA, it can also help achieve a bright red color, so it’s a possible alternative for manufacturers to choose.

Are other color additives safe?

After the red #3 ban, there are eight FDA-approved color additives. These are 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, and FD&C Yellow No. 6.

Hitchcock says that research so far shows that there is no apparent risk to consuming these dyes.

“While science tells us there is no risk in consuming other synthetic dyes, it is important that we continue to monitor and evaluate the safety of food ingredients,” he said. “It is vital that we continue to invest in more scientific research into the health of our foods to ensure safety and provide peace of mind for consumers.”

According to the FDA, the above dyes do not pose the same potential risks as Red #3, so they are still available for use in the United States. However, some studies show possible links between certain dyes and potential health conditions. For example, some studies have linked Red 40 with hyperactivity Cleveland Clinichowever, further research is still needed to determine the direct relationship between paint and condition.

When asked about the safety of other food dyes, Hitchcock emphasized the need for FDA transparency, which he said the agency is addressing.

“We believe there needs to be a clear framework for post-market review of dietary supplement safety,” Hitchcock said. “FDA is actively working to address this issue.FDA’s Development of an Improved Systematic Process for Postmarket Evaluation of Chemicals in Food.’ IFT believes that the FDA should promote transparent, science-based, informed, and timely post-market chemical food safety evaluations.”

Bottom line

Red #3 has been completely banned in the United States, but will continue to be used in food for the next two years as manufacturers work to modify their recipes. However, some manufacturers make changes sooner than this.

To the email address CBS NewsKeurig Dr Pepper said a “new formulation” for Yoo-hoo Strawberry Flavored Drink, currently made with Red #3 to achieve its color, “will be on shelves by the end of the year.”