The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of red dye No. 3, known as erythrosine, in food and oral medications because of its potential cancer risk.
According to the Associated Press, food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove dyes (Red 3) from their products, and drug manufacturers have until January 2028 to remove dyes from their products.
The dye was removed from cosmetics nearly 35 years ago due to the same cancer-related concerns.
FDA bans red food dye due to potential cancer risk
Nutritionists and other health experts applauded the removal of additives from the U.S. food supply after the new ban was announced Wednesday.
Red 3 is found in a variety of food products, most commonly candies and colored candies. (iStock)
Ilana Muhlstein, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles, shares her excitement that the FDA is "finally" banning synthetic dyes that have been used "for too long" in candies, cereals and strawberry-flavored drinks.
“What’s crazy is that the same dye was banned from cosmetics like lipstick because there was enough evidence linking it to cancer in animals, and that decision was made over thirty years ago. ” she told Fox News Digital.
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"Consumer advocacy groups and researchers have been pushing for this change for years, pointing not only to cancer risks but also potential links to ADHD and ADHD in children."
A certified holistic nutritionist (not pictured) warns that the presence of No. 3 red dye in some products is "something you wouldn't expect." (iStock)
Robin DeCicco, a New York-based certified holistic nutritionist and founder of The Power of Food Education, says it's "time" to ban Red 3.
"I've never understood why this dye, which was removed from lipstick and blush 30 years ago, is now allowed in our food supply," she reiterated to Fox News Digital. "There has been evidence for decades that this dye causes cancer in mice."
"Our children deserve better and it's frustrating that it's taken so long to take action."
Milstein said that while the ban was a "clear victory for public health," she was still "frustrated" it took so long.
"The FDA was aware of the risks in the 1980s, while other countries, such as those in the European Union, banned red dye three years ago," she points out. "However, large food manufacturers lobbied hard to delay this decision because these artificial dyes are cheap, convenient and profitable."
According to experts, red dye No. 3 is often used in strawberry flavoring. (iStock)
She noted that the dye is often used in products primarily marketed to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals.
"Our children deserve better, and it's frustrating that it's taken so long to take action," Milstein added.
Milstein commented that while the ban is "a step forward," it also serves as a reminder to "stay informed about what we are feeding our families."
Experts say Red Dye No. 3 is also present in other less obvious products, including some prepackaged vegan meats, fruit cups, mini waffle snacks, mashed potatoes, yellow rice and sugar-free water flavors.
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DeCicco encourages consumers to always read ingredient labels and look for natural alternatives to these products.
This dye is often used in products primarily marketed to children, such as colorful lollipops, candies and breakfast cereals. (iStock)
"It's not about deprivation or restriction - I always say it's about eating food with quality ingredients," she says. “The ingredients are more important than anything else, and they’re there.”
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"I have worked with many families of children with ADHD, and in some cases, removing sugar, artificial food dyes and additives can reduce symptoms (as part of treatment)," DeCicco added.
While nutritionists advise consumers to stay away from foods that contain red dye or erythrosine on the label, there are healthier, natural alternatives that can keep food fun.
Nutritionists say using alternatives to red dyes like pomegranate juice or fruit powder can keep food fun. (iStock)
Muhlstein recommends adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice to baking recipes, such as vanilla cake, to give the batter a natural red hue.
She also recommends mixing crushed freeze-dried strawberries into white frosting or whipped cream.
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“Beetroot powder, hibiscus powder or even raspberry puree are also great options,” she adds.
Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.