Potential Red food dye ban: What products could be impacted [Video]

A wide range of foods will be affected if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moves forward with plans to ban artificial red dye.

According to the Eat Well Guide (EWG) Food Scores database, nearly 3,000 food products on the U.S. market contain red dye 3, including candy, certain brands of mashed potatoes, yellow rice and some medications. The list also includes a range of other foods, including breakfast cereals, beverages and baked goods. 

CERTAIN SNACKS, DRINKS COULD BE BANNED IN SOME STATES DUE TO CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENTS

The synthetic dye, also known as erythrosine, is an additive made from petroleum that gives foods and drinks a bright cherry-red color, according to the FDA. It is already banned in the European Union, and starting in January 2027, it will also be prohibited in foods sold or manufactured in California. 

But the agency has been reviewing a petition filed for FD&C Red No. 3 that …