Red Dye No. 3 is now banned: What parents need to know
Big news for families today: The FDA has officially decided to ban Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs—but not quite yet. Companies have two years to remove this controversial additive from their products, leaving moms to wonder: What does this mean for us now? And how do we keep our kids safe in the meantime? Let’s break it down.
First, what’s Red Dye No. 3?
Red Dye No. 3 (aka FD&C Red No. 3 or erythrosine) is a synthetic coloring that gives many snacks, drinks, and medicines their bright red or pink hues. Think: candies, fruit snacks, and even that cough syrup your kid refuses to take.
The problem? Red Dye No. 3 has been linked to health concerns for decades, including cancer in animal studies and potential behavioral effects on kids, especially those with ADHD. Fun fact (not really): it’s already banned in cosmetics. But for some reason, it stayed in our food and medicine…until now.
The FDA recently announced its decision to revoke Red Dye No. 3’s authorization, saying there’s no longer a “reasonable certainty of no harm” when it’s consumed. Translation: Time’s up.
Why should moms care?
Here’s the deal: as moms, we’re already juggling all the things. The last thing we need is to stress over whether our kids’ snacks or medicine could pose health risks.
Red Dye No. 3 isn’t just in random candy—it’s in a lot of kid-friendly products. And while we’re excited about the ban, two years is a long time to wait when it comes to our kids’ health.
Related: Ali Fedotowsky-Manno shares her hacks to get her kids to eat healthier
What can you do now?
Until the ban fully kicks in, here’s how you can take action today:
Read the Labels
Start checking ingredient lists for Red Dye No. 3, FD&C Red No. 3, or erythrosine. Focus on kid favorites like gummies, cereals, and brightly colored drinks.Go Natural
Many brands have already ditched artificial dyes for natural alternatives like beet juice or turmeric. Bonus: they taste just as good (and feel way less sketchy).Advocate with Your Wallet
Consumer pressure works. Support brands that are ahead of the game and already using dye-free formulas. And don’t be shy—reach out to your favorite companies and ask when they’re making the switch.Talk to Your Pharmacist
Medications can also sneak in Red Dye No. 3. Ask for dye-free options for your kids’ meds.Teach the Kids
If your kids are old enough, make it a team effort. Show them how to spot Red Dye No. 3 on labels and explain why you’re avoiding it. Empowering them = healthier habits for life.
Related: The FDA sets new lead limits in baby food—but is it enough to protect babies?
The bottom line
The FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3 is huge—and long overdue. While we wait for companies to make the switch, moms can take control by staying informed, reading labels, and advocating for better options.
Because when it comes to what we feed our kids, we deserve transparency. Here’s to a brighter (and less chemically enhanced) future.
Want to know more? Check out the FDA’s full announcement here.
Sources:
FDA’s decision on food additive safety. FDA. 2025 “FDA to revoke authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food andingested drugs”.
A study on the health effects of food dyes. PubMed Central. 2022. “Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence.”
