Following the ban of red dye No. 3 in the United States, experts weigh in on the potential health risks of red dye No. 40, yellow dye No. 5 and others.

As of January 15, 2025, red dye No. 3 is officially banned in the United States. This decision was made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after testing linked the chemical to cancer growth in animals.

The synthetic additive found in thousands of food products will now be phased out by 2027, but advocates say the agency's move is long overdue

Red No. 3, chemically known as erythrosine, was first introduced into foods in 1907. Companies subsequently added it to thousands of products to boost their colors over the decades, often in snacks like ice cream and candy marketed directly to children.

On Jan. 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked its authorization for the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested medications.

The dye, known for its bright cherry-red color, is found in candies, snack cakes, maraschino cherries, and some beverages.

The FDA banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 based on a petition asking that the agency follow a specific guideline.

Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a color additive made from petroleum that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. According to the FDA announcement, the additive is commonly ...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially banned red dye — called Red 3, or Erythrosine — from foods, dietary supplements and ingested medicines, as reported on Wednesday.

Related video above: Doctor discusses why FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 Made from petroleum and chemically known as erythrosine, red dye No. 3 is a synthetic color additive used to give foods and ...

Red Dye 3, a synthetic color additive found in many candies and snacks, has been banned by the FDA due to concerns that it causes cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 last dye, leading those to think Red Dye No. 40 could be next. How are these dyes different?