Which Foods Contain Red Dye 3?

Ever wondered how foods like maraschino cherries and strawberry sweets get their bright red hue? Well, it’s down to synthetic colour additive known as red dye 3 – but these products won’t be allowed for much longer in the US, thanks to a new ban which is being implemented by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA’s Red Dye 3 Ban, Explained

Why Is Red Dye 3 Being Banned In The US?

Red dye 3, also known as red No 3 or erythrosine, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, sometimes used to give food and drink products a bright colour.

The substance was first approved for use in 1907, but in 1990 it was banned from being included in cosmetics and topical drugs. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing movement against the use of the dye in food and drink – a result of research suggesting the additive may cause cancer in high doses in rats. It has not been linked to cancer in people, due to the ethical and technical challenges in conducting this kind of study on humans.

Red No 3 has also been linked to behavioural problems in children, and a report from 2021 suggested children who consumed the additive may be more likely to struggle with hyperactivity.

In 2022, after years of lobbying, a number of groups in the US including the Center for Food Safety, and the Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) joined together to launch a petition against the additive, arguing that it should be barred across America.

On 15 January, the FDA announced that it has revoked authorisation of red dye 3 in the US, meaning soon it will not be allowed in food and drugs. Food manufacturers using the additive will have until January 2027 to reformulate their products, while drug companies will have until January 2025 to make adjustments.

The agency said that under a clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the FDA is not allowed to authorise any colour additive ‘if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.’

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Is Red Dye 3 Banned In The UK?

Red No 3 is already heavily restricted in the UK, and is only allowed in specific products such as maraschino cherries. Use is also limited in countries including Australia and New Zealand – and in 2023, it was also banned in California. 

Foods Containing Red Dye 3

With their signature hue, foods containing red dye 3 are sometimes easy to spot – but you can also check the label, where it will be listed as FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red 3 or Red 3, according to the FDA.

Common products to look out for include:

• Soft sweets and gummies
• Cake frostings
• Maraschino cherries
• Ice lollies
• Baking decorations
• Cakes and cupcakes
• Protein shakes
• Toaster pastries
• Fruit-flavoured drinks and sodas
• Imitation bacon bits