The Quick Scoop On This Red Dye No. 3 Hullabaloo

What I'm telling my patients about the recent FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3, a funny, and a recall on this popular stroller.

January 21, 2025

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What Parents Should Know About the FDA Ban On Red Dye No. 3

It’s official, folks: as of January 15, 2025, the FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3. (I’ve included a list below with some of the common foods that have traditionally used Red Dye No. 3.)

Here’s what you should know:

Why the ban?

  • Studies found that high doses of the dye caused cancer in male lab rats.

  • While the same mechanism doesn’t appear to affect humans, the FDA must err on the side of caution.

  • A study in 2021 showed that Red Dye No. 3 may be linked to behavioral problems in children (including decreased attention spans and memory problems).

Foods that use Red Dye No. 3

I pulled the list below from Newsweek. (Shout out to the good reporters there.)

From Newsweek:

Candies

  • Pez Candy Assorted Fruit

  • Dubble Bubble Original Twist Bubble Gum

  • Brach's Candy Corn

  • Jelly Belly candies

  • Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers

Baked Goods and Snacks

  • Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cake Mini Muffins

  • Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot

  • Toaster pastries

  • Cookies with red icing or decorations

Dairy and Frozen Desserts

  • Strawberry-flavored milk

  • Certain ice cream flavors and frozen yogurt

  • Ice pops and frozen fruit bars

Fruit Products

  • Maraschino cherries

  • Some fruit cocktails

Beverages

  • Yoo-hoo Strawberry Drink

  • Certain sodas and fruit-flavored drinks

Medications and Supplements

  • Some cough syrups

  • Gummy vitamins

  • PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids' Ready-to-Drink Strawberry Shake

Many manufacturers have already started phasing out Red Dye No. 3. For instance, Abbott, the maker of PediaSure, has removed the dye from its products, and Dole eliminated it from fruit bowls in 2023 (source: https://www.newsweek.com/list-red-dye-3-fda-food-drink-ban-2015450).

What this all means

  • Foods containing FD&C Red No. 3 must be reformulated by January 2027, and drugs by January 2028. It’ll take some time.

  • Expect some of your kids’ favorite brightly colored treats to look slightly different in the future.

What now?

  • Many manufacturers are already switching to safer natural colorings like beet juice or turmeric.

  • Look for “certified” or “exempt from certification” colors on labels if you're curious about ingredients.

Are food dyes safe in general?

Short answer: maybe. The FDA reviews and approves all food colorings based on rigorous scientific data. They use research and regulations to ensure things are safe. That said, the US can be very slow to make changes despite the data (e.g., Europe banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods back in 1994). While synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 3 provide vibrant, consistent hues, natural options are often considered safer.

Takeaway for parents

Whenever possible, eat whole foods. Packaged foods with lots of additives, preservatives, and dyes are not good for you or your children. I’m pleased that the FDA is taking steps to improve food safety.

As parents, it’s a good reminder for us to stay informed about what’s in the foods we give our kids, and to explore dye-free or naturally colored options when possible.

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Funny This Week

I was in clinic yesterday and a cute 9 year-old girl was telling me all about her busy schedule.

Her 11 year-old brother piped in, “She’s a very busy lady.”

It struck me as so funny. I love peds!

Recalls & Alerts: Guava Strollers

Recall alert: Guava Roam Strollers recalled over brake issue

Guava recalled its Roam First Generation Strollers because the brakes could either not engage or disengage, posing a potential for injury…

www.wsoctv.com/news/trending/recall-alert-guava-roam-strollers-recalled-over-brake-issue/BTS6OWVKJRAIZBJXBBLSIZOUSI/#:~:text=Parents%20need%20to%20check%20their,Consumer%20Product%20Safety%20Commission%20said.

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Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or medical treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the health and welfare of your child. We do not endorse any specific products or brands mentioned in this article. Readers are encouraged to perform their own research and consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided herein.