FDA Bans Use of Red No. 3 in Food, Ingested Drugs

The FDA has revoked authorization for Red No. 3 over potential health risks based on a comprehensive review of scientific studies.

Pez candy, which contains Red No. 3, is on display at a store in Lafayette, Calif., on March 24, 2023. Haven Daley/AP Photo

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated on Jan. 15 that it is revoking authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food products and ingested pharmaceuticals, citing potential health concerns associated with the synthetic food dye.

The decision comes after years of scrutiny and debate over the safety of Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine.