Following the ban of red dye No. 3 in the United States, experts weigh in on the potential health risks of red dye No. 40, yellow dye No. 5 and others.

As of January 15, 2025, red dye No. 3 is officially banned in the United States. This decision was made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after testing linked the chemical to cancer growth in animals.

Delaware legislators joined the Food and Drug Administration’s recent ban on Red No. 3 by introducing a bill in the First State this month with the same goal. Here’s what we know so far. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Red No.

Red No. 3, chemically known as erythrosine, was first introduced into foods in 1907. Companies subsequently added it to thousands of products to boost their colors over the decades, often in snacks like ice cream and candy marketed directly to children.

The synthetic additive found in thousands of food products will now be phased out by 2027, but advocates say the agency's move is long overdue

The FDA banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 based on a petition asking that the agency follow a specific guideline.

On Jan. 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked its authorization for the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned red dye — called Red 3, or Erythrosine — from foods ... The synthetic dye, which is made from petroleum, is used as a color additive in food and ingested drugs to give them a "bright ...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 last dye, leading those to think Red Dye No. 40 could be next. How are these dyes different?

Related video above: Doctor discusses why FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 Made from petroleum and chemically known as erythrosine, red dye No. 3 is a synthetic color additive used to give foods and ...

While color and other aesthetics enhance the enjoyment of foods and drinks, natural color sources — like beet juice, red cabbage and radishes — are risk-free alternatives, Dilley said. So are anthocyanins, pigments naturally found in berries that give them their red, purple and blue hues, Ventrelle added.

The FDA has banned Red No. 3 dye which is in multiple foods, drinks, medications, and other products. Which ones have Red 3? Why was it banned?