Bye Bye Red Dye (No. 3): A Victory For Our Children’s Health

Written by Cate Graney

Woohoo!! At Bebe Bitez, we were overjoyed with the recent ban on Red Dye No. 3 in our food products. This step forward is not only a triumph for public health but also a testament to the power of informed, dedicated action. As advocates for children's health and safety, we are incredibly proud to have played an integral role in the legislative effort to eliminate this harmful ingredient from our food supply.

Red Dye No. 3

Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, according to the FDA, is a petroleum-based food additive found in over 2,000 processed foods, that produces a vibrant cherry-red color. Now, I don't know about you all, but I am not comfortable with the words ‘petroleum’ and ‘food’ in the same sentence, and funnily enough, neither is the rest of the world. Since 1994, the European Union has put a ban on Red Dye No. 3, as well as China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, so why is it safe in the United States? Well, it's not. In 1990, the Delaney Clause was passed, requiring the FDA to ban food additives that were found to be carcinogenic in humans or animals. With this clause, Red Dye No. 3 had to be banned in all cosmetics. So, why would something that is so cancerous that it's unsafe to wear on our faces, be perfectly fine to put into our bodies?  

Risky Red

If this red dye seems like a red flag to you, your intuition is right. Numerous studies have shown that Red Dye No. 3 can pose significant health risks, particularly to children. Research has linked this dye to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even potential carcinogenic effects. A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye No. 3, are associated with increased hyperactivity in children. Furthermore, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has highlighted concerns about the potential carcinogenicity of Red Dye No. 3, noting that high doses of erythrosine have been shown to cause thyroid tumors in animal studies. 

Not so sweet

Red Dye No. 3 has snuck its way into classic American children's foods and candies like Dubble Bubble Gum, Peeps, Jelly Belly Candy, Dippin Dots Cotton Candy, Laffy Taffy and Fruit by the Foot. Even the Dole Fruit Packs that seem healthier because—well, it’s fruit—contains Red Dye No. 3. 

California Food Safety Act

On October 7th, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California Food Safety Act, banning Red Dye No. 3 use in our food, as well as three other harmful ingredients, as of January 1st, 2027. By removing this harmful substance from the food supply, California has set a powerful precedent for other states to follow, ensuring a healthier future for all our children. Bebe Bitez supports the decision to ban this dye, especially after working tirelessly alongside other health advocates, policymakers, and concerned parents to push for this ban. We believe this ban represents a critical step in safeguarding our children's health and well-being! 

Moving Forward 

The ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a huge step in the right direction, but there’s more to be done. Assembly members are currently pushing for California Assembly Bill 2316, which would ban seven toxic food additives. Bebe Bitez will continue to push and advocate for policies to protect our children's health and remove harmful ingredients that have ambushed their way into our food supply, and we encourage everyone to do the same. Together, we can create a safer, healthier future for our kids.