The Food and Drug Administration revoked its approval of Red No. 3 as a color additive in foods after reviewing a petition that cited that the food coloring caused cancer in rats. The FDA emphasized that Red No. 3 doesn’t cause cancer in humans in the same way it affects rats, and the amount of Red No. 3 found in foods is slight compared to the exposure in laboratory animals.
Food manufacturers who use Red No. 3 have until January 15, 2027, to remove the coloring from their products. Red No. 3 is also found in some drugs such as antidepressants and acetaminophen, so those manufacturers have until January 18, 2028, to comply with the requirement. This also includes foods that are imported to the United States.
Red No. 3 isn’t as widely used as other synthetic food dyes anymore, but it’s still found in thousands of foods, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Any processed food that has a bright red color, such as candy, sodas, protein shakes, and bacon bits could have Red No. 3 (be aware of that Valentine’s Day candy). You’ll find Red No. 3 in Strawberry Ensure and Vigo’s Yellow Rice. If you look closely at the ingredients label of your food, drinks, and drugs, look for Red No. 3 or erythrosine.
Many states were already looking into banning Red No. 3
In 2023, California passed the California Food Safety Act that banned the sale of foods with Red No. 3, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben. This law goes into effect in 2027, giving food manufacturers enough time to tweak their foods. These four food additives are also banned in the EU, United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries (per NPR).
While California led the charge in banning Red No. 3, 10 other states including New York, West Virginia, and South Dakota have all introduced food safety bills that would ban the sale of food and drinks with Red No. 3 (per the Center for Science in the Public Interest).
(Read about what red flags are in plain sight on your food labels.)
Red No. 3 used to be found in lipsticks, blush, and lotions before the FDA banned it for cosmetic use in the 1990s. “At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” the Center for Science in the Public Interest President told NBC News.
