On April 22, 2025, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed his proposal to accelerate the removal of Red No. 3: the infamous dye known for its bright red hue. Also called erythrosine, this ingredient has begun to be phased out of products such as frosting, candy, and certain medications by the FDA, following a plan first introduced by the Biden administration in January 2025.
Red No. 3 was widely used because it delivered a vivid, stable red color and was inexpensive to manufacture. In the 1990s, it was banned from cosmetics after laboratory studies linked it to thyroid cancer in male rats. Since then, scientists have investigated its effects in humans. Some studies suggest that the petroleum-based dye may contribute to hyperactivity and other ADHD-related symptoms. Others point to its potential to disrupt thyroid hormone regulation.
Despite ongoing research, there is still not enough data to determine the carcinogenic potential of Red No. 3 in humans or to confirm any connection between erythrosine and the development of neurodevelopmental disorders. Some researchers argue that Red No. 3 is not consumed in high enough concentrations to affect human health. Past studies lack sufficient evidence for definitive conclusions.
Nevertheless, the food industry is preparing to meet the goal ahead of the FDA’s original January 2027 deadline, exploring alternatives such as beets, radishes, and turmeric; this shift may not keep red treats tasting quite the same.