The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, setting deadlines for manufacturers to remove the synthetic dye from candies, baked goods, frozen treats, and even cough syrups.
The move follows scientific studies linking Red 3 to cancer in lab rats, triggering a federal statute requiring the FDA to ban any additive proven to cause cancer in animals. While officials stress that Red 3’s effects on rats do not translate directly to humans, the decision has reignited concerns over the safety of artificial food dyes.
However, Red 3 is just one of many synthetic colors still widely used in foods and consumer products.
What Are Synthetic Food Dyes?
Synthetic dyes are petroleum-based chemicals used to enhance the visual appeal of food. According to Sensient Food Colors, a St. Louis-based food color supplier, these dyes are popular because they provide vibrant and consistent coloration.
Common Artificial Food Dyes in the U.S.:
- Red 3 (Erythrosine) – Banned by FDA for food use by 2027
- Red 40
- Blue 1
- Blue 2
- Yellow 5
- Yellow 6
- Green 3
- Citrus Red 2 (rarely used)
- Orange B (rarely used)
The FDA regulates and certifies the use of these synthetic color additives in food.
What Happens Next?
Under the new FDA rule:
- Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove Red 3 from their products.
- Cough syrup and other ingested medications must eliminate Red 3 by January 2028.
This decision follows years of lobbying by consumer advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which argued for a ban due to the cancer risk in lab rats.
Interestingly, Red 3 has been banned in cosmetics for decades—but until now, it remained legal in food and medication.
Are Artificial Colors Linked to ADHD?
Beyond cancer concerns, studies have also linked artificial food dyes to behavioral issues in some children, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
“Artificial colors are not the main cause of ADHD, but they may contribute significantly to some cases,” said Dr. L. Eugene Arnold, an emeritus psychiatry professor at Ohio State University.
While the FDA acknowledges that some children may be sensitive to food dyes, it maintains that most children do not experience adverse effects.
Consumer Shift: Growing Opposition to Synthetic Dyes
Recent polls suggest that Americans are increasingly wary of artificial additives:
- Two-thirds of U.S. adults support restricting or reformulating processed foods to remove added sugar and dyes. (AP-NORC poll)
- In 2023, California became the first state to ban six artificial food dyes from public school meals.
- More than a dozen state legislatures are considering banning synthetic dyes in school lunches or all foods.
- Protests in 2024 demanded that WK Kellogg Co. remove artificial dyes from Apple Jacks and Froot Loops.
Even U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a stand against artificial dyes.
“I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said that red dye caused cancer,” Kennedy said during his confirmation hearing. “Now, FDA has acknowledged that and banned it.”
Can Natural Ingredients Replace Synthetic Dyes?
Yes, but it’s complicated.
Some food manufacturers have already reformulated their products, using natural alternatives like:
- Beet juice
- Carmine (made from insects)
- Purple sweet potato
- Radish extract
- Red cabbage pigments
However, switching to natural dyes poses challenges.
“Natural colors may be less stable than synthetic dyes and can be affected by factors like heat and acid levels,” said Meghan Skidmore, a spokesperson for Sensient Food Colors.
Still, companies are actively researching more stable natural color solutions.
How to Avoid Artificial Dyes in Your Diet
Since artificial dyes remain common, avoiding them requires careful label reading.
“If the ingredient list is so long that you don’t want to bother reading it—and it probably has things you can’t pronounce—don’t buy it,” said Dr. Arnold.
For those concerned about food dyes, the simplest solution is to choose whole, minimally processed foods.
With FDA action, state-level bans, and consumer pressure mounting, the future of artificial food dyes in the U.S. remains uncertain—but it’s clear that change is coming.
