Back in January, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide ban on the artificial additive Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, in all food and medications in the US.
The synthetic dye had already been banned from cosmetics, ingested drugs, and topical medications decades ago due to research linking it to behavioral issues in children, including ADHD. It has also been associated with thyroid cancer in animal studies.
Manufacturers now have until January 15, 2027, to stop using the coloring in food, and until January 18, 2028, for medication. In the meantime, it remains in use—making it all the more important to stay informed.
Click through this gallery to learn more about the potential harms of Red No. 3 and other synthetic dyes you may want to avoid.