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February 17, 2025

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FDA Bans Red No. 3

FDA Bans Red No. 3 from Foods We Eat

All parents will be happy to see the red dye go from foods their children eat.

Good news, parents! The FDA bans Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives food and drinks their bright red cherry color but has been linked to cancer in animals.

The dye is still used in thousands of foods, including candy, cereals, cherries in fruit cocktails and strawberry-flavored milkshakes, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food safety advocacy group that petitioned the agency in 2022 to end its use.

FDA Bans Red No. 3

The FDA’s decision marks a victory for consumer advocacy groups who have long urged the FDA to revoke the additive’s approval, citing ample evidence that its use in beverages, dietary supplements, cereals and candies may cause cancer as well as affect children’s behavior.

It can’t happen quickly enough, though. Food manufacturers have two years to reformulate their products. They have until January 15, 2027 to make the changes.

Red Dye No. 3 is made from petroleum and was first approved for use in 1907.

These are some of the products that use Red No. 3:

Candies

  • Pez Candy Assorted Fruit
  • Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum
  • Brach’s Candy Corn
  • Jelly Belly candies
  • Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers

Baked Goods and Snacks

  • Entenmann’s Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins
  • Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot
  • Toaster pastries
  • Cookies with red icing or decorations

Dairy and Frozen Desserts

  • Strawberry-flavored milk
  • Certain ice cream flavors and frozen yogurt
  • Ice pops and frozen fruit bars

Fruit Products

  • Maraschino cherries
  • Some fruit cocktails

Beverages

  • Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink
  • Certain sodas and fruit-flavored drinks

Medications and Supplements

  • Some cough syrups
  • Gummy vitamins
  • PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids’ Ready-to-Drink Strawberry Shake

The ban is likely to face legal challenges from food manufacturers because evidence hasn’t shows that dye causes cancer when consumed by humans.

 

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About the Author

Susan Swindell Day

Susan Day is the editor in chief for this award-winning publication and all-things Nashville Parent digital creative. She's also an Equity actress, screenwriter and a mom of four amazing kids.