The ban on Red Dye No.
3 in food goes into effect in January 2027.
Ilija Erceg/Getty Images
Big changes are on the horizon for some of your favorite snack foods and drinks.
Photo:Ilija Erceg/Getty Images
3a synthetic dye that was previously barred fromcosmeticsdue to a known cancer riskin food and ingested drugs.
3, in food and other items due to its known health risks.
3, the agency clarified the way that FD&C Red No.
3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.
Additionally, the FDA pointed out that relevant exposure levels to FD&C Red No.
Still, Red No.
Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have already banned Red No.
3 in food, except for certain cherry varieties.
Per this announcement from the FDA, food manufacturers who use Red No.
3 from their medicines by January 18, 2028.
Additionally, even though Red No.
So, what does all of this mean for you and the food and medication you consume?
Keep reading to find out.
What Is Red No.
It is similar, though not identical to Red No.
40a dark red dye utilized in some sports drinks, candy,condiments, and cereal.
According to the FDA, Red No.
3 is also present in certain ingested drugs, such as gabapentin and certain cough syrups.
Foods and Household Items Made with Red No.
3
As noted above, Red No.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interestand Newsweek, the following products contain Red No.
3:
As always, check the ingredients label to see if Red No.
3 is in any foods you plan to consume.
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2025/01/biden-fda-moves-ban-toxic-red-dye-no-3-food
https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/red-3-fda-finally-bans-cancer-causing-food-dye
https://www.newsweek.com/list-red-dye-3-fda-food-drink-ban-2015450
