Breaking Up with Red Dye No.3: Your Favorite Treats Getting a Glow-Up! 🍬

After years of giving our favorite treats their rosy glow, this controversial food coloring banned in cosmetic products three decades ago is getting kicked out of our food supply due to negative health concerns. Here’s why it matters to you: 

What is Red Dye No.3? 🔍 

Red Dye No.3 is a petroleum-based food additive that gives up a bright red color. It has been used in over 2000 products sold in the United States. They are commonly used for candies, cake decorations, and desserts. Think about some of your favorite sweet treats that are cherry red. Additionally, Red Dye No.3 can also be found in children’s medications as an additive. Here’s a list of some common products or medications that you may have in your house: 

• Jelly Belly candies 

• Branch’s Candy Corn 

• Maraschino cherries 

• Kroger Neapolitan ice creams 

• Cookies with red sprinkles 

• Nesquik Strawberry Milk 

• Acetaminophen (pain reliever) 

• Omeprazole (treats heart burns) 

Red Dye No.3 has no nutritional value and is only added to food for artificial coloring. Determining whether your favorite treat contains Red Dye No.3 is as simple as checking the ingredient list. They can go by either FD&C Red No.3, Red 3, or erythrosine. 

A Known Carcinogen 🚫 

Red Dye No.3 is classified as a known carcinogen. Animal Studies have suggested a link between increased risk of thyroid cancer when exposed to a high dose over a long period of time. No human studies were conducted to examine the negative health effects on humans. However, similar animal studies were the reason why Red Dye 3 was banned from cosmetic products in 1990. 

Association with ADHD 🧠 

This artificial food coloring is known to be associated with ADHD and can worsen attention problems and impulsivity in children. Studies have found that children who are sensitive to artificial food coloring, including Red Dye No.3 have shown more inattention, restlessness, and hyperactivity at just 1mg a day compared to a dye-free diet.  

Why now? ⏱️ 

 If Red Dye No.3 is harmful to our health, why wasn’t it banned years ago? The delayed ban on Red Dye No.3 can be a combination of factors such as:  

• Scientific evidence discrepancies - The evidence discrepancies from animal and human studies can create confusion from real-world applications. 

• Regulatory Prioritization – The FDA prioritized more pressing food safety concerns over artificial color additives.  

• Industry Influence – The Food manufacturers were known for lobbying against regulations by limiting evidence and citing low exposure levels. 

The Future Looks Brighter 🌈 

The FDA mandated all food manufacturers to phase out Red Dye No.3 in their food products by January 15, 2027, and January 18, 2028, for pharmaceutical manufacturers to reformulate their products. It feels that the changes aren’t happening soon enough, while some believe that manufacturers are just going to replace Red Dye No.3 with a different artificial food coloring. However, the ban signifies the beginning of a new movement in which consumers have increased awareness and are focused on the safety of ingredients in their food.  

In the meanwhile, it is a good idea to limit the consumption of artificial coloring as much as possible. If you would like to know about making healthier food choices, schedule a free 15-minute chat with us. 

This isn't just about prettier food – it is about making healthy choices for everyone. 

At ELAK Health, we are committed to helping you stay informed. We can support you by providing personalized nutritional counseling that can help you inform your health. Schedule a 15-minute chat with us to discuss how we can help. 

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#FoodSafety #ChronicIllness #ByeByeRed3 #HealthEducation #ELAKHealth