Bye-bye Red Dye #3 ( erythrosine). It's been fun knowing ya.

A Colorful Wake-Up Call

When I was a kid growing up in the 60's, I'd follow my Dad around everywhere. I stood like he stood. I talked like he talked. I dressed like he dressed. 

And I ate what he ate. 

He'd always buy these big bags of pistachios. He'd drink his Olympia beer and eat pistachios. Those pistachios were red. It was the only way you could get them back then. Slathered in red dye. They'd dye the shells and when you ate them your lips and hands all turned red. 

Why would anyone dye pistachios - a healthy food - bright red? Well, they were dyed to:

1. To Cover Up Imperfections: Early pistachios were often imported (especially from Iran), and their shells would be stained or splotchy from the harvesting and drying processes.

2. To Stand Out Visually: Marketers believed red shells looked festive and attractive, especially for seasonal displays.

3. To Hide Mold or Damage: Some producers used red coloring to mask less-than-perfect nuts.

It was an early example of using something with zero nutritional value on our food to make it cheaper, or more attractive, or just to increase sales.

But in January 2025, the FDA finally made a long-awaited move: Red Dye No. 3 has been banned in all foods and ingested medications. This decision follows years of pressure from scientists and advocacy groups, and it signals a major shift in how we regulate what goes into our children’s diets. 

No more synthetic dyes. No more bright pink frosting on a cupcake. No shiny cherries on top of a sundae. The fruity glow of a gummy vitamin? Gotta find a natural way to color 'em. For decades, these bursts of color came courtesy of Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) - a synthetic food coloring used to make processed foods and medicines look more fun, especially for children.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Food Dye, Really?

Food dyes are chemical additives (petroleum based) used to enhance the appearance of foods, drinks, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Splashy colors? Probably a food dye of some type. They serve no nutritional purpose, but they make products more visually appealing—especially to kids.

There are two main types:

• Synthetic dyes, which are made from petroleum or coal tar derivatives.

• Natural dyes, made from plants, insects, or minerals (like beet juice or turmeric).

Red Dye No. 3, also known as FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine, is a synthetic dye first approved for food use in the 1960s. It was once widely used in everything from toothpaste to cough syrup—but its safety has been questioned for decades.

Red Dye No. 3

Other Common Synthetic Food Dyes:

• Red 40 (Allura Red) – made from petroleum, most common red dye today.

• Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) – derived from petroleum (previously from coal tar).

• Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) – also petroleum-based.

Nothing like a little dab of oil to spice up your food.

Why Is It Used in Kids’ Food?

The answer is simple: color sells. Food manufacturers know that bright, fun colors attract children. That’s why so many snacks, cereals, fruit gummies, and kids’ vitamins are dyed in rainbow hues.

Red 3 has been a go-to because it delivers a vibrant, stable pink-red tone. It’s especially popular in:

• Candies and gummies

• Frostings and baked goods

• Processed fruit products like maraschino cherries

• Chewable vitamins and supplements

Why the FDA Finally Banned Red Dye No. 3

The FDA banned Red 3 in cosmetics and topical medications back in 1990, after studies showed it caused thyroid tumors in male rats. Under the Delaney Clause—a law that prohibits any food additive shown to cause cancer in animals—it should have been banned from foods too. But for over three decades, that loophole remained open.

In 2022, advocacy groups petitioned the FDA to close it. By January 2025, the agency agreed: Red 3 will no longer be permitted in any food or ingestible medicine. Products must be reformulated by 2027 (foods) or 2028 (drugs).

The ban finally brings the U.S. in line with countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, and the entire European Union, which banned or restricted Red 3 years ago.

You're gonna still see it around until it's been phased out. Just read the labels. Look for products without synthetic food colorings. 

What Other Foods Had It?

Red 3 was used in many well-known products, including:

• Peeps marshmallow candies (pink and cherry flavors)

• Maraschino cherries

• Fruit Roll-Ups

• Gummy vitamins and cold syrups

• Betty Crocker and Pillsbury strawberry frostings

• Mentos, Trolli, and Dubble Bubble candy

Many generic store-brand products and seasonal treats also relied on Red 3. That’s why label reading is essential.

Look for:

• “Red 3,” “FD&C Red No. 3,” or “erythrosine”

What Are the Risks of Synthetic Dyes in General?

Red 3 isn’t the only color under scrutiny. Synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 have also been linked to health issues, especially in children.

Possible risks include:

• Hyperactivity and attention problems

• Allergic reactions (rashes, asthma-like symptoms)

• Disruption of gut microbiome

• Potential carcinogenic effects in animals

In 2007, the Southampton Study found that a mix of synthetic dyes and preservatives could increase hyperactivity in children—even those without ADHD. Europe responded by requiring warning labels on products with these dyes.

In the U.S., no such warning is required (yet). Safest bet? Eliminate artificial coloring from your food products as much as possible. Natural whole foods are best. Learn to read the labels. Ingredients with chemical sounding names are chemicals. They are not your friend.

What Can Parents Do Now?

Safest bet? Eliminate artificial coloring from your food products as much as possible. Natural whole foods are best. Learn to read the labels. Ingredients with chemical sounding names are chemicals. They are not your friend.

You don’t have to wait for regulators. You can take action today:

✅ Read labels carefully. Skip anything with synthetic dyes—especially for children.
✅ Choose naturally colored products. Look for colorings from beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, or paprika.
✅ Stick with whole foods. Fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed snacks are naturally colorful and dye-free.

What’s Next from the FDA?

The Red 3 ban could be just the beginning. Advocacy groups are pushing for a full review of synthetic dyes, especially those still allowed in foods aimed at children.

The FDA may face increased pressure to:

• Ban or restrict dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5

• Improve transparency with labeling requirements

• Increase funding for independent safety studies

• Promote the use of plant-based dyes

In a few years, we may see the food industry shift toward cleaner, more transparent formulations.

A Brighter Future Without Synthetic Colors

The FDA’s Red Dye No. 3 ban is a big win—but also a reminder. It took over 30 years to remove a known carcinogen from our food. That’s why staying informed and proactive as a parent is so crucial.

You don’t need artificial color to raise healthy, happy kids. A vibrant diet doesn’t come from a lab—it comes from nature.

No food dyes or artificial colors were used in the writing of this article.

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