Red 3 Ban Is Just the Beginning

The FDA’s recent decision to ban Red 3 from food products is a significant step in the fight against harmful synthetic dyes.^[1] For years, Red 3 has been linked to serious health risks, including cancer in animals, yet it remained on shelves in thousands of products. While this is a victory for public health, the battle is far from over. Other dyes like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 remain widely used in foods, beverages, and supplements, posing significant health risks.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the Red 3 ban matters, the dangers of other artificial dyes, and how consumers can take action to reduce exposure to these toxins. By understanding the science behind these dyes and making informed choices, we can push for a future where food is free from harmful chemicals.

Why the Red 3 Ban Is Important

Red 3, or erythrosine, has been a staple in the food and pharmaceutical industries for decades. It provides bright pink and red coloring in candies, cereals, medications, and cosmetics. However, studies have shown that Red 3 is far from harmless. Research dating back to the 1980s linked the dye to thyroid tumors in laboratory animals, prompting the FDA to ban its use in cosmetics in 1990. Despite this, it was used in food and medications for over 30 years.^[2]

The recent ban on Red 3 will remove this toxic dye from approximately 3,000 products, a move that will undoubtedly reduce exposure to a known carcinogen. However, it also highlights a troubling inconsistency in regulations. If Red 3 is too dangerous for use in cosmetics, why was it allowed in foods for so long? And what about the other synthetic dyes that remain on the market?

The Bigger Threat: Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 6

While the ban on Red 3 is a victory, it’s important to recognize that it is just one of many synthetic dyes posing risks to human health. Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 are still widely used and are far more prevalent than Red 3 ever was. These dyes are found in everything from brightly colored cereals and candies to beverages, jellos, and supplements.

• Red 40: This dye is one of the most commonly used in the food industry, appearing in soft drinks, candies, and processed snacks. Studies have linked Red 40 to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects in animals. It is used approximately ten times more frequently than Red 3, making it a more pervasive issue.^[2]
• Blue 1: Found in frostings, sports drinks, and medications, Blue 1 has been associated with allergic reactions and possible neurotoxic effects.^[2]
• Yellow 6: Commonly used in chips, cheese-flavored snacks, and desserts, Yellow 6 has been linked to hyperactivity and potential cancer risks in animal studies.^[2]

These dyes are derived from petroleum and serve no nutritional purpose. Their bright colors are purely cosmetic, making their continued use a troubling example of prioritizing appearance over health.

The Health Risks of Synthetic Food Dyes

The risks associated with synthetic dyes are well-documented, yet these chemicals remain a staple in the food industry. Some of the most concerning effects include:

• Behavioral Issues in Children: Multiple studies have linked artificial dyes to hyperactivity, attention deficit disorders, and other behavioral problems in children. Countries like the UK require warning labels on foods containing synthetic dyes, but the U.S. has yet to adopt similar measures.^[3]
• Carcinogenic Risks: Animal studies have shown that dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 may increase cancer risk. While human studies are less conclusive, the evidence is strong enough to warrant caution.^[4]
• Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities: Synthetic dyes can cause skin rashes, respiratory issues, and other allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.^[5]

These risks are compounded by synthetic dyes often being found in products marketed to children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxins.

Why Consumers Need to Stay Vigilant

Removing Red 3 from products is a win, but it doesn’t mean our food is safe. Red 40 and other synthetic dyes remain widely used, often in much larger quantities. A quick glance at the ingredient list on a cereal box or a candy bag reveals just how prevalent these toxins are.

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family is to read labels carefully. Look for products that use natural coloring agents like beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina instead of synthetic dyes. Supporting brands prioritizing non-toxic ingredients can help drive demand for safer food options.

Natural Alternatives to Synthetic Dyes

Fortunately, there are safe and effective alternatives to synthetic food dyes. Many brands are beginning to use natural coloring agents derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based sources. These include:

• Beet Juice: A natural source of red coloring.
• Turmeric: Used for yellow and orange hues.
• Spirulina: A natural blue-green algae used for blue and green coloring.
• Annatto: Derived from seeds, annatto provides a natural orange or yellow color.

These natural options not only eliminate the risks associated with synthetic dyes but often provide additional nutritional benefits.

What’s Next in the Fight Against Toxic Dyes?

The ban on Red 3 is a step in the right direction, but it’s clear that more needs to be done. Consumers must continue to push for stricter regulations on synthetic dyes and greater transparency in labeling.

• Demand Action: Support petitions and advocacy groups calling to remove synthetic dyes from food.
• Educate Others: Share information about the risks of synthetic dyes with friends and family. The more people who are informed, the stronger the push for change.
• Support Non-Toxic Brands: Choose products from companies that use natural coloring agents and avoid synthetic dyes altogether.

Conclusion

The FDA’s decision to ban Red 3 is a victory worth celebrating, but it’s only the beginning. Harmful dyes like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 remain on the shelves, posing significant health risks. By staying informed, reading labels, and supporting brands committed to non-toxic ingredients, we can continue to push for a future where all food is free from harmful chemicals. The fight isn’t over, but we can make a difference together.

1. Program, Human Foods. “FDA to Revoke Authorization for the Use of Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs.” FDA, Jan. 2025.
2. Miller, Mark D., et al. “Potential Impacts of Synthetic Food Dyes on Activity and Attention in Children: A Review of the Human and Animal Evidence.” Environmental Health, vol. 21, Apr. 2022, p. 45.
3. Arnold, L. Eugene, et al. “Artificial Food Colors and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptoms: Conclusions to Dye For.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 9, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 599–609. 
4. Kobylewski, Sarah, and Michael F. Jacobson. “Toxicology of Food Dyes.” International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, vol. 18, no. 3, 2012, pp. 220–46.
5. Alegbe, Emmanuel Ohifueme, and Taofik Olatunde Uthman. “A Review of History, Properties, Classification, Applications and Challenges of Natural and Synthetic Dyes.” Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 13, June 2024, p. E33646.