FDA red food dye ban: When it could happen, and what to know

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FILE - A shopping cart in the confectionery aisle inside an international supermarket. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively reviewing a petition filed against the artificial food coloring Red No. 3. 

The additive has been trending in recent days after Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, reportedly spoke about it before Congress. 

Here’s what to know about the dye and the FDA petition against it: 

What is Red No. 3?

Red No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic dye made from petroleum. 

It’s used as a color additive in food and ingested drugs to give them a "bright cherry-red color," according to an online statement from the FDA.

What foods contain Red No. 3?

According to the Eat Well Guide (EWG) Food Scores database, nearly 3,000 food products on the U.S. market contain red dye 3, including candy, certain brands of mashed potatoes, yellow rice and some medications. 

The list also includes a range of other foods, including breakfast cereals, beverages and baked goods. 

Where is Red No. 3 already banned?

Red No. 3 is already banned in the European Union, and starting in January 2027, it will also be prohibited in foods sold or manufactured in California. 

In 1990, the FDA also banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs. 

Why has Red No. 3 been banned?

Red No. 3 has been under scrutiny over health concerns.

According to Consumer Reports, the additive has been linked to cancer and thyroid tumors in lab animals and has been linked to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children. 

In 1990, when the FDA said it couldn’t be used in cosmetics and topical drugs, the agency cited data demonstrating an association to cause cancer in animals.

FDA petition

The FDA has been reviewing a petition filed against the use of Red No. 3. 

"With Red 3, we have a petition in front of us to revoke the authorization board, and we’re hopeful that in the next few weeks we’ll be acting on that petition," Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, reportedly told a U.S. Senate health committee on Thursday, Dec. 5. 

The petition the FDA is reviewing cites the Delaney Clause, which states that the agency cannot classify a color additive as safe if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals, per the FDA’s statement.

When could Red No. 3 be banned?

Jones said in early December that he’s hopeful the FDA will be acting on the petition "in the next few weeks," though he did not indicate which way the FDA may respond to the petition. 

Products that could be affected

Some companies have already removed the ingredient from their products, but more could be affected depending on the FDA’s ruling. 

Here are some foods that could be affected if Red. No. 3 is banned, according to FOX Business:

• PEZ Candy Assorted Fruit (Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Raspberry, Orange, Lemon)
• PEZ Cotton Candy, Candy Corn and Banana
• Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum
• Halloween Candy - AMOS Lollipop Finger Rings
• Gourmet Candy Corn
• MorningStar Farms Veggie Breakfast Original Veggie Bacon Strips 
• Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice 
• Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins
• Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
• Fruit by the Foot Starburst 
• Dole Diced Fruit Cup