
Red dye No. 3 ban — why I’m not excited that they are throwing us this bone.
They are banning Red 3, and nothing has to change for 2 years.
Only Red 3 is banned. Red 40 is not banned
That leaves 8 other synthetic dyes still approved for human consumption.
Won’t manufacturers just jump from using Red 3 to the other synthetic red dye (Red 40) with just as many health concerns?
“On Jan. 15, the FDA announced it is amending its color additive regulations to no longer allow the use of Red No. 3 in food, beverages and ingested drugs, in response to a 2022 petition from health groups and activists.” [source] (The FDA is so slow to respond!)
Food manufacturers will have until 2027 to reformulate their products (removing Red 3) while drugmakers will have until 2028.
Red 40 is the most used per pound consumed among three food dyes found in over 36,000 food products sold in the U.S.
Some studies have shown Red 40 is a carcinogen.
Red dye is linked to hyperactivity, including ADHD.
US doesn’t think Red 40 is a concern, while the European Union requires a warning label on products that contain Red Dye 40 that reads, “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
The Red No 3 ban still leaves 8 other synthetic dyes approved for human consumption. [source]

Popular Foods with Dyes And The Companies Behind Them [source]
General Mills, Kellogg’s and Mars are three companies that use synthetic dyes in their products.
- Mars makes Skittles which includes Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
- Mars also makes M&Ms with Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, and Blue 2.
- Another Mars product with dyes is their Starburst brand which contains Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
- General Mills makes Trix cereal with Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
- The company also makes Lucky Charms with Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1.
- Finally, Kellogg’s makes Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. Both products contain Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6.
Forbes concluded, “With today’s ban of Red 3, and the potential of an R.F.K. nomination, other synthetic dyes could be in the FDA’s crosshairs. As America’s eating and drinking habits continue to trend toward healthier choices, companies will be forced to adapt or lose sales. In short, the trend toward healthy foods may bring significant regulatory changes to the food and beverage industry and the pharmaceutical industry.”
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