Red Dye Bye-Bye: Why We’re Saying Farewell to Red Dye No. 3

That bright cherry-red color in your favorite candy? It might be on its way out, and for good reason. On January 15, 2025, the FDA officially banned Red Dye No. 3 (also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3) from food products in the United States. As your trusted source for healthier snacking options, we wanted to take a moment to explain what this means and why we’re fully on board with this change.

The Colorful History of a Controversial Dye

Red Dye No. 3 isn’t just any food coloring—it’s a synthetic dye derived from petroleum that has been giving foods that eye-catching cherry-red hue for decades. You’ve probably encountered it in:

• Candies and confections
• Maraschino cherries
• Brightly colored baked goods
• Some medications

But here’s something you might not know: scientists have had concerns about this dye since the 1980s, when research linked it to thyroid tumors in male rats. That discovery was significant enough for the FDA to ban it from cosmetics and topical drugs back in 1990.

So why did it take another 35 years to get it out of our food? Good question.

Why the Ban Now?

The recent ban came after significant pressure from advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Environmental Working Group. They pointed to the Delaney Clause—a provision in U.S. law that prohibits the approval of any food additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals—as clear grounds for removing Red Dye No. 3 from our food supply.

While the FDA has noted that the specific mechanism causing tumors in rats might not apply to humans (and human exposure levels are typically much lower), the Delaney Clause doesn’t allow for these kinds of exceptions.

Beyond cancer concerns, some studies have suggested potential links between synthetic dyes like Red No. 3 and behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity. Though the evidence remains mixed, it’s another reason to approach synthetic food dyes with caution.

When Will Red No. 3 Disappear?

The change won’t happen overnight. Manufacturers have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate their food products, and until January 18, 2028 for medications. Some companies might switch to natural alternatives like beet juice or anthocyanins from fruits, while others may turn to other synthetic dyes like Red No. 40 (which remains legal, though it faces its own scrutiny).

We’re Ahead of the Curve

At Wasatch Wellness Vending, we’ve always believed that what’s not in our products can be just as important as what is. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we already scrutinize every product in our vending machines and will absolutely not stock anything containing Red Dye No. 3—no need to wait until 2027.

While we strive to avoid as many unnecessary additives as possible while still maintaining a diverse and appealing selection, this is one ingredient we’re drawing a firm line on. Your health matters too much to us.

The Bigger Picture

This ban aligns with actions already taken in California (which banned Red No. 3 in food in 2023) and other regions like the European Union, Australia, and Japan, where the dye is either banned or heavily restricted.

Is the ban an overreaction given the lack of direct human evidence? Or is it a long-overdue protection for public health? Perspectives vary, but we believe it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to what we put in our bodies.

Looking Forward

As we bid farewell to Red Dye No. 3, we’re reminded of how important it is to stay informed about what’s in our food. While that bright cherry color might be appealing to the eye, we think naturally colored foods—or even foods with no added colors at all—are far more appetizing in the long run.

Next time you’re choosing a snack, take a quick look at the ingredient list. Your body might thank you for choosing the option with fewer synthetic additives.

And of course, when you visit one of our vending locations, you can snack with confidence knowing we’ve already done that work for you.

What are your thoughts on the Red Dye No. 3 ban? Have you noticed this ingredient in any of your favorite foods? Let us know in the comments below!