Food Safety: Check Halloween Candy for Red No. 3 Dye

As Halloween approaches, food safety experts are issuing a warning to parents about potential dangers lurking in their children's candy stash. It is advised to carefully examine the labels of the treats to ensure that the ingredients are safe for consumption.

Recently, California implemented a ban on Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns regarding its impact on health. This move has shed light on the issue of food coloring. Although the use of this additive has decreased in popularity, it can still be found in some candies and other food products that may circulate during Halloween.

Bill Marler, a Seattle Food Safety Attorney, explains that most well-known candy manufacturers have already replaced Red No. 3 with a different dye. However, since there is no nationwide ban, this particular dye may still be present in your candy dish for the time being.

Red No. 3 has been added to the list of prohibited additives in California, alongside substances such as brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben, as a result of the state's Food Safety Act.

Although many candy manufacturers have ceased using Red No. 3, Consumer Reports revealed that it is still used in certain Peeps products and Hot Tamales Candy.

The Environmental Working Group's food database also indicates the presence of red dye in various products, ranging from fruit cocktails to strawberry protein nutrition shakes.

"There have been concerns regarding several food dye additives over the years," says Marler. "Scientific evidence suggests that these dyes do not provide any benefits other than making the food more visually appealing and enticing to eat."

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has petitioned the Food & Drug Administration to officially remove Red No. 3 from the list of approved color additives in food, dietary supplements, and oral medicines due to its association with cancer and safety concerns.

Marler reveals that the dye was even banned in many U.S. cosmetics around three decades ago due to studies indicating a cancer risk in mice.

Several other countries have already banned its use as well. "Red Dye Number 3 has been significantly restricted or almost entirely banned in European food products for quite some time," explains Marler.

Consumer groups believe that the FDA will eventually impose a nationwide ban on the dye. Until then, the best course of action is to carefully read the product labels.

"I would advise concerned consumers to read the labels of the products and check for the presence of Red Dye No. 3. If it is present, consider making an alternative choice or at least limit the amount consumed," suggests Marler.

California has set a deadline of 2027 for manufacturers to remove the use of these additives.

"I'm not surprised that California has taken this step," says Marler. "The evidence against Red No. 3 is quite substantial. It is supported by the FDA's findings from 30 years ago, as well as by the European Union. Considering the potential risks compared to the benefits of Red No. 3, I believe banning the product is the right decision."