A Victory for Our Health: The FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3!
This week was an exciting one in the world of food safety! On January 15, 2025, the FDA officially announced the long-awaited ban on Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) from the nation’s food supply. This synthetic dye, derived from petroleum, has been around since 1907, adding that bright cherry-red color to foods and drinks. But after years of research linking it to cancer in lab animals, the FDA finally took action. Food companies now have until 2027 to phase it out, while medication companies have until 2028.
While this is a huge step forward, we’re not in the clear just yet—Red Dye No. 3 is still lurking in products for the next few years, so it’s more important than ever to read ingredient labels and make informed choices.
35 Years in the Making
Did you know that back in 1990, Red Dye No. 3 was banned from use in cosmetics and topical drugs due to safety concerns? Yet somehow, it remained in our food and medicine for another 35 years! The push to finally remove it from our food system was driven by organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), California’s upcoming state-wide ban, and everyday mamas like us demanding change!
Where Red Dye No. 3 is Commonly Found
This dye is sneaky and shows up in so many foods, including:
- Candy: Skittles, M&Ms, Starburst, gummy bears, and Red Hots.
- Beverages: Sodas, fruit drinks, and energy drinks.
- Baked Goods: Frosting, cake mixes (like red velvet), pastries, and even some cereals.
- Processed Meats: Some hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats.
- Personal Care Products: Yup even toothpaste. This one got me for years.
My Personal Experience with Food Dyes
This fight against synthetic dyes is personal for me. Years ago, I learned firsthand just how harmful Red 40 (another synthetic dye) could be when my daughter started experiencing extreme behavioral shifts after eating certain snacks.
Not only were these dyes linked to hyperactivity in children, but they also had potential long-term health risks. From that moment on, we became an ingredient detective family, eliminating artificial dyes from our home. And guess what? The changes were undeniable—her focus improved, her mood stabilized, and those intense reactions disappeared.
If you’re a mama dealing with similar struggles, I encourage you to experiment with removing artificial dyes from your child’s diet. You might be amazed at the difference it makes! If you are overwhelmed and can’t imagine doing it alone, contact me! ro***@***********************in.com
The Work is Not Over
While the ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a huge win, we still have work to do. There are other synthetic dyes still in our food system, like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, all of which have been linked to health concerns. That’s why we need to keep the momentum going—sharing knowledge, making informed choices, and advocating for even safer food standards.
🎥 Watch To Dye For: The Documentary If you haven’t seen this eye-opening documentary yet, now is the time! You can rent/buy the film online to watch from home. Trust me, this film will change the way you look at food forever.
Let’s celebrate this victory while continuing to advocate for better food choices for our families. Remember, small 1% shifts add up to big transformations in our health and well-being. Keep reading labels, keep sharing knowledge, and keep making those mindful choices!
