A Healthier Halloween: What You Need to Know About Red No. 3

Halloween, a season of joy for children and adults alike, including creepy decorations, and bags brimming with colorful candies. Yet, amidst the spooky excitement, many may not realize the potential health risks lurking in Halloween treats. One of the most concerning ingredients found in many popular candies and snacks is FD&C Red No. 3, a synthetic dye with a troubling history. October is the time to rethink the contents of the hopeful Halloween trick-or-treater's candy bags and ensure we aren't exposing them to harmful substances.

This year, California took an important step in addressing these concerns by passing a bill that bans several toxic ingredients, including FD&C Red No. 3, which has been a staple in food coloring for decades. This ban, set to take effect in January 2027, brings the U.S. one step closer to aligning with countries such as Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, and those in the European Union, where Red No. 3 has long been banned or restricted in food products. These countries have recognized the risks associated with this dye, especially its links to cancer and other health issues.

So, what exactly is Red No. 3, and why should we care?

The Troubling History of FD&C Red No. 3

FD&C Red No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic dye used to give foods and beverages their bright cherry-red color. It's commonly found in candies, snacks, and even some baked goods. Despite its vibrant hue, Red No. 3 has been at the center of health concerns for decades.

Back in 1990, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red No. 3 from use in cosmetics after studies showed a significant risk of thyroid cancer in laboratory animals. Given this known carcinogenic risk, many were baffled that the dye continued to be allowed in food. The FDA at the time reasoned that the levels of Red No. 3 found in food products were within "safe limits" of consumption. However, these safety assessments were made decades ago, and the volume of processed foods and artificially colored snacks consumed today suggests that people, especially children, may exceed these limits.

In countries such as Canada, Japan, and the European Union, Red No. 3 has been banned in food products for years due to these risks. This raises an important question: why should the U.S. allow an ingredient in food that is banned elsewhere?

The Health Risks: Thyroid Cancer and Beyond

The primary concern surrounding FD&C Red No. 3 is its potential to cause thyroid cancer. Studies have shown that when animals were exposed to this petroleum-based dye in sufficient quantities, they developed thyroid tumors. Although the FDA's stance was that humans would not consume the dye in such amounts, modern eating habits tell a different story. In today's world of highly processed and artificially flavored foods, it is easier than ever to unknowingly consume larger amounts of Red No. 3. From candies to processed snacks, this dye is pervasive in the food supply, particularly in items marketed to children.

But the risks associated with Red No. 3 don’t stop at cancer. More recent evidence suggests a link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity. A 2021 study highlighted concerns about food dyes, including Red No. 3, exacerbating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in some children. This means that beyond the long-term cancer risks, there could be immediate effects on children's cognitive and behavioral development due to their exposure to synthetic food dyes.

What Does This Have to Do with Halloween?

Halloween is one of the biggest candy-consuming holidays of the year, making it a prime time to reassess what treats are filling our children’s candy bags. With the California bill banning FD&C Red No. 3 not going into effect until 2027, consumers need to be proactive about making healthier choices now. Regardless of where you’re celebrating Halloween, you can start today by doing a quick purge of items containing Red No. 3.

So, how do you know which treats to avoid? FD&C Red No. 3 must be listed on the label, either as Red No. 3 or Erythrosine. This Halloween, take a few extra minutes to check the labels on the candy and treats you plan to give out or let your children enjoy.

Common Halloween Treats Containing FD&C Red No. 3

Unfortunately, many popular Halloween treats still contain FD&C Red No. 3. Here are just a few examples of where this synthetic dye might be hiding:

Candies:

• Candy Corn – Particularly varieties with red or pink coloring.
• Peeps – Halloween-themed marshmallow versions, especially pink and red variants.
• Skittles – Some red or pink varieties may still contain FD&C Red No. 3 in certain markets.
• Dubble Bubble Gum – Specifically those with red or pink coloring.
• Maraschino Cherries – Sometimes used in candy cocktails or treats.
• Fruit Snacks or Candied Fruit – Such as cherry-flavored candies.

Baked Goods:

• Boxed cake mixes, like those from Betty Crocker.
• Processed foods such as loaded casserole potatoes.

Snack Foods:

• Ice-pops - Cherry and Fruit punch flavored Otter Pops
• Vegetarian bacon strips, like MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips.

Other Processed Foods:

• Maraschino cherries, commonly found in cocktails or desserts.
• Strawberry-flavored Ensure drinks.
• Instant rice mixes, such as Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice.

By checking labels and avoiding products that contain Red No. 3, you can make a healthier choice for your family this Halloween.

It’s Never Too Early to Protect Your Children

While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and festivities of Halloween, it’s important to remember that the choices we make today can have lasting effects on our health. The risks associated with FD&C Red No. 3 are well-documented, yet this dye continues to lurk in various popular food items.?

California’s recent ban is a significant step forward, but the 2027 implementation date leaves plenty of time for us to take action on our own. By avoiding foods containing Red No. 3 now, we can protect ourselves and our children from unnecessary exposure to a potentially harmful ingredient.

As we prepare for another fun-filled Halloween, let’s take a moment to update our thinking regarding the treats we offer and consume.?

Please include with your response to this post any Red No. 3 containing items you have uncovered. It takes a village.

References:

• Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Color Additives and FDA.
• Smithsonian Magazine. The Troubling Legacy of Red No. 3.