Why You Should Avoid Food Dyes Like Red Dye 3

September 23, 2024

Can’t Focus? It might be food dye.

Consumption of artificial food dyes like red dye 3 can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in children.

While we recognize there are many factors and ingredients that could be the reason behind hyperactivity and attention deficit, the evidence against red dye 3 is more than compelling. 

A synthetic dye made from petroleum, red dye 3 has been linked to cancer in animals and behavioral issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in children. A study found that children were more hyperactive when they ingested artificial food colorings. A California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) report supported this finding and also indicated that current federal levels for safe intake of food dyes are based on outdated studies that were not designed to assess behavioral effects. With all the ultra-processed food we consume on a daily basis, common exposures to food dyes would already exceed the FDA’s Acceptable Daily Intake levels.

Multiple organizations and scientists have signed a petition urging the FDA to remove red dye 3, which was banned from cosmetics in 1990, from its list of approved food ingredients. The FDA banned the use of Red 3 in cosmetics, like lipsticks and blushes, because studies found that high doses of the dye caused thyroid cancer in rats, but the ingredient has remained approved for use in food and medicines, and appears on thousands of product labels—mostly candies and beverages. Despite the mounting evidence of the dye’s harmful effects and its removal from cosmetics, the FDA maintains that the amount of red dye 3  we consume is safe…

Nonetheless, some states have already been working towards restricting these chemicals in our food system. California became the first state to ban red dye 3 as a food additive through the California Food Safety Act or AB 418, which was signed into law last year. It is set to ban the manufacturing of foods that contain a list of toxins, including red dye 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propyl paraben, by 2027. These chemicals have been linked to increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, and harm to the reproductive system among other health risks. Going a step further, the California Legislature recently passed the California Food Safety Act or AB 2316 to ban food dyes and chemicals like red dye 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 2, green 3, and titanium dioxide from public school lunches as these chemicals have also been scientifically proven to cause hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems in children. Following California’s actions, ten additional states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, have also introduced food safety bills.

The FDA is currently reviewing the petition to delist red dye 3 and developing a systematic process for conducting post-market assessments of chemicals in food, but we hope to see them follow California’s footsteps in prohibiting harmful synthetic dyes and chemicals in food. In the meantime, make sure to read the labels and avoid all numbered dyes as much as possible. You can specifically look out for terms like Red 3, FD&C Red 3, or Erythrosine to best avoid red dye 3. It is typically found in processed foods, candy, soda, juice, yogurt, frozen dairy desserts, baking decorations, cough syrups, gummy vitamins, and ironically even medications meant for ADHD (i.e., Vyvanse). At the end of the day, the best food dye alternatives are always the all natural ones.

So, if you think it’s time to clean up our food, become a FoodFight Warrior. Sign up below to stay informed with important changes in your food and have opportunities to speak out for a cleaner food system. 

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