After decades of debate and research linking it to cancer in animals, the FDA has finally banned red dye No. 3 from food, beverages, and ingested drugs in the United States. This landmark decision, announced Wednesday, January 15, 2025, marks a significant win for consumer health advocates.
Red dye No. 3 is found in at least dozens of candy, food and beverage products, but some of the most popular brands either never used, or have already stopped using, the additive. Fewer than 10% of products made by the candy company Ferrara, which produces Brach’s candies, for example, contain the additive, as the company began phasing out the use of it in early 2023, a Ferrara spokesperson said via email.
What is Red Dye No. 3?
Red dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. It’s used to give foods and drinks a bright cherry-red hue.