FDA Bans the Use of Red Dye No. 3

FDA Bans the Use of Red Dye No. 3

Beginning January 15th, 2027, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will no longer allow the use of FD&C Red Dye No. 3 in all food & beverage applications as well as in ingested drugs.


What is Red Dye No. 3?

Red Dye No. 3 is a synthetic food dye that gives food & beverages a bright, cherry-red color. Common applications of Red Dye No. 3 include: candy, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, frosting, icing, and certain ingested drugs.


Details on the Red Dye No. 3 Ban

  • Manufacturers who currently use Red Dye No. 3 in food & ingested drugs will have until January 15th, 2027 or January 1th, 2028, respectively, to reformulate their products to remove the synthetic food dye known as Red Dye No. 3.
  • Manufacturers in California will have until January 1st, 2027 to discontinue the sale of foods containing Red Dye No. 3, as a state law has already been passed banning its use.

What This Means for Red Dye No. 3 Users

The actions taken by the FDA regarding Red Dye No. 3 will require changes for manufacturers in the food coloring market. FD&C Red 40 is the closest replacement for synthetic dye users. Natural food coloring can also be used as a replacement. Below are some of popular color replacement options for FD&C Red No. 3:

Replacements for FD&C Red No. 3

list of red dye 3 alternatives

Anthocyanins

  • Examples: black carrot, elderberry, red cabbage
  • Red in acidic conditions (pH < 4)
  • Uses: Acidic beverages (sodas, juices), candies, and jams

Betacyanins

  • Examples: beetroot extract, beetroot powder
  • Stable in acidic to neutral conditions (pH 3–7)
  • Loses color intensity in alkaline environments
  • Uses: Sauces, desserts, and frozen products

Carmine & Cochineal Extract

  • Examples: derived from cochineal insects
  • Bright red in acidic conditions (pH ~3–5)
  • Orange or dull red in neutral to alkaline environments
  • Uses: Baked goods, dairy products, and high-acid beverages

Lycopene

  • Examples: tomatoes, watermelon
  • Stable across a wide pH range (3–8)
  • Uses: Sauces, snacks, and soup

About AIFI – A Leading Food Coloring Supplier & Distributor

Sourcing Red Dye No. 3 Alternatives

food ingredient supply chain

American International Foods, Inc. has Red Dye No. 3 alternatives on hand to assist manufacturers & distributors in maintaining continuity of supply. We ensure our food coloring ingredients are sourced responsibly and meet requirements set for quality & safety, each with complete documentation to verify.

We maintain complete documentation for each ingredient we offer, allowing our customers transparency and peace of mind. AIFI provides its customers with unparalleled industry knowledge, personalized supply chain solutions, and a complete product line comprised of more than 2500 food and beverage ingredients.

For further information about natural food coloring sourcing, pricing, general inquiries, or additional information regarding the Red No. 3 ban, please contact AIFI using the link below.

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