The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in January. However, according to the agency, companies have until January 2027 or January 2028 (if it is a drug) to replace the ingredient. The FDA granted the petition “because the additive induced cancer in male rats.” In the meantime, some states, like California, West Virginia, and Oklahoma, have passed bills (or are working on legislation) that will ban all seven artificial food dyes from school meals.
We’ve been consuming Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Orange B, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Citrus Red for years. These dyes are used in foods, drinks, and drugs to artificially brighten their color.
This week, Cnet.com listed nine categories of foods that still use it:
- candy
- cake
- cupcakes
- frozen desserts
- frostings
- icings
- certain Marascino cherries
- certain processed meats and meat substitutes
Many seasonal and nonseasonal candy products contain Red No. 3, like cherry cordials, Brach’s Classic Jelly Beans and Spiced Jelly Beans, Conversation Hearts, Candy Corn, PEZ candy, Dubble Bubble gum, and some flavors of Ring Pops. Here’s what you might want to consider before making those Easter baskets.
Pillsbury Funfetti Strawberry Cake & Cupcake mix uses red Dye No. 3 along with its yellow and chocolate cakes. Strawberry Milk Brands like Nesquik and True Moo use Red 3 to make their strawberry milk pink. Good Humor has it in their Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars. Vigo Yellow Rice enhances its products with it, while most yellow and saffron rice brands don’t use dye.
Yoo-hoo promises a reformulated Strawberry drink without the ingredient on shelves by the end of the year. The makers of the popular Peeps candies, a staple during the Easter season, say they have removed Red Dye No 3 from their products.
If you are unsure, the Environmental Working Group has compiled a searchable database of products that still use the banned ingredient (remember, it isn’t fully revoked until 2027 or 2028, depending on the category).
According to CNet.com, three viable natural alternatives are being discussed. “Givaudan Sense Colour, a manufacturing company that creates natural food and drink colorings, highlighted three possible alternatives to Red No. 3 — carmine, which is actually made from bugs; betacyanins, found in beetroots; and anthocyanins, derived from fruits and vegetables.”
