In a major turn of events, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided to ban Red Dye 3, better known as FD&C Red No. 3, in what will create a sea change in food safety regulations and affect big retailers like Walmart and Target. Commonly found in many snacks and candies, this red dye has also been linked with cancer in several laboratory animals and hence was given by the FDA to phase out by January 2027.
Background on Red Dye 3
Red Dye 3 has been a food industry staple for years, imbuing that bright red color into everything from candy and snack cakes to fruit cocktails. Despite being in such common use, scientific studies have shown that large amounts of this dye induce cancer in rats. Consequently, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics as early as 1990 but allowed it in food products until now.
The recent ban was made following a petition made by health advocates who lobbied for stricter controls on food additives due to health risks, especially among children who consume more of these products relative to their body weight. Manufacturers that use Red 3, also called erythrosine, in food products will have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate them. That means some candies will change to a less bright color. The brands using this dye in medicines will have to remake their products until January 18, 2028.
The new rule was approved after decades of people protesting the dye following its ban from cosmetic products due to its link to thyroid cancer in animals nearly 35 years ago. The dye is still currently used in thousands of foods including candy, cereals, and strawberry-flavored milkshakes. The move is a matter of law by way of the Delaney Clause, which says the FDA can’t classify a color additive as safe if it’s induced cancer in humans or animals.
In November, multiple members of Congress sent a letter demanding the FDA ban the dye as detailed here, Why could Red 3 food dye be banned? When could the ban come into effect?
Impact on retailers
Those who will have to make the biggest product-line adjustments include Wal-Mart and Target. Both traditionally have used Red Dye 3 in a variety of house-made products and snacks sold under their private labels. Under the FDA’s ruling, the retailers are now required to work with the manufacturers in either reformulating or replacing the items with this dye ahead of the deadline. The switchover could mean
- Product reformulation: Companies will have to reformulate products that contain colorings not permitted under the new requirements; for example, natural alternatives like beet juice or pigments from fruits and vegetables could be used to replace Red Dye 3.
- Consumer education: With these product changes, Walmart and Target are most likely to invest in educating consumers about these changes—emphasizing the benefits of using safer ingredients.
- Supply chain modifications: The reformulation process will require some period and resources as the manufacturers work to adjust production.
Which products are being affected?
Most of the widely consumed snack and candy items contain Red Dye 3. Here are some of the most typical products:
- Fruit by the Foot
- Entenmann’s Little Bites
- Hostess Ding Dongs
- Pez hard candies
- Brach’s candy corn
- Some maraschino cherries
- Don Pancho green and blue tortilla chips
- Some cookies with red icing
- Some cough syrups
- Vigo saffron yellow rice
- Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink
- Betty Crocker’s loaded mashed potatoes
- Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers
- Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum
These products will be reformulated or removed from shelves as retailers comply with the new laws. Consumers themselves might not notice any differences right away, but they may notice changes in packaging or formulation as the companies work toward compliance.
Consumer reactions and future implications
This FDA ban has brought mixed reactions from different consumers and industry stakeholders. Many health advocates welcome this move towards better food safety standards. Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said this move is long overdue, placing strong criticism on the inconsistency by which a carcinogenic dye could be allowed in food products after having been banned from cosmetics.
However, it could be legally contested by some manufacturers on the grounds that there is no sufficient proof that Red Dye 3 causes cancer in humans at normal consumption levels. The FDA has conceded the possibility of such legal contests but is sticking to its guns based on available evidence.
As Walmart and Target navigate these changes, they are likely to face not only the heat from regulatory agencies but also increasingly savvy consumers who are demanding more transparency in food ingredients and safety. In a recent survey, two-thirds of Americans favored reformulation of processed foods to eliminate harmful ingredients.
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