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There has been a growing awareness and concern amongst the food conscious public about the health risks associated with ultra-processed food consumption, which now makes up 57% of US food consumption and 73% of the US food supply. Amongst the many chemicals that are added to our food during this process are artificial colors, e.g. dyes.

Red Dye No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It is a commonly used artificial food dye in ultra-processed foods and beverages. While initially deemed safe by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concerns regarding its potential health risks have led to increased scrutiny in recent years.

“…potential link to adverse health effects…”

One of the primary concerns surrounding Red Dye No. 3 is its potential link to adverse health effects, particularly in sensitive individuals. For example, studies have suggested possible connections between consumption of artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even carcinogenicity.

“…California became the first state to ban Red Dye No. 3 in food products…”

In 1990, the use of Red Dye No. 3 was banned in cosmetic products such as blush and lipsticks after studies showed an association between the artificial color and thyroid cancer in rats. Even though the rats were actually consuming the dye, the FDA did not ban its use in food. Despite this, many countries, including the European Union, have banned or restricted its use in food products. Surprisingly, it was not until 2023 that California became the first state to ban Red Dye No. 3 in food products. However, the law will not go into effect until 2027.

“…certain synthetic food additives, including artificial dyes, may trigger behavioral changes…”

Red Dye No. 3 has also been implicated in exacerbating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, some researchers believe that certain synthetic food additives, including artificial dyes, may trigger behavioral changes and exacerbate hyperactivity in susceptible individuals.

“…current acceptable daily intake (ADI) may not provide adequate protection from neurobehavioral impacts in children.”

A report by the California Environmental Protection Agency released in 2021 concluded that “synthetic food dyes can impact neurobehavior in some children” based on evidence from numerous epidemiological, animal neurotoxicological and in vitro studies. Additionally, the report concluded that the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) “may not provide adequate protection from neurobehavioral impacts in children.”

Despite these concerns, Red Dye No. 3 continues to be used in a wide range of food products, often under different names or as part of proprietary blends of artificial colors. This can make it challenging for consumers to identify and avoid products containing this additive, particularly when it is not explicitly listed on packaging.

“Other dyes such as Yellow No. 5 have also been shown to impact children’s behavior.”

Red Dye No. 3, however, is not the only artificial food dye with concerning health effects. Other dyes such as Yellow No. 5 have also been shown to impact children’s behavior. A 2012 review found that “all of the nine currently US-approved dyes raise health concerns of varying degrees.” And because there is no benefit to adding these artificial colorants to food other than making the food more attractive to children, there is no reason they should continue to be used.

In response to growing consumer awareness and concerns, some food manufacturers have started to phase out artificial food dyes from their products, opting instead for natural alternatives derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources. While these natural colorants may not offer the same intensity or variety of hues as their synthetic counterparts, they provide a safer and more wholesome alternative for consumers.

By choosing products free from artificial dyes and supporting companies that prioritize natural ingredients, consumers can take proactive steps towards improving their health and the health of their children.