15 Snacks Now Missing In Colorado Following FDA Ban

Red Dye No. 3 was on its way out one way or another. Five days before the country swore in the 47th President, the FDA decided to revoke authorization for the popular dye used in food and medicine since 1969.

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Many suspected the dye was on borrowed time, and that the new Secretary of the Health and Human Services (whoever that ends up being) would be banning the dye in 2025 anyway. One way or another, Colorado would be saying goodbye to some popular snacks. At least temporarily.

FDA Bans Red Dye #3

Erythrosine, or Red Dye No. 3, has been in use since about 1907. It was banned from use in cosmetics in 1990 yet somehow it was still safe to put it in our foods for another 35 years. Now that the dye can no longer be used in foods, several snacks and drinks are changing recipes.

This may cause some snacks and drinks to go missing for a while. Several products that have used Red Dye No. 3 over the years have already begun switching to the approved Red Dye No. 40, such as Strawberry Ensure.

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USDA Names Branded Foods with Red Dye #3

Products like maraschino cherries, candy corn, and strawberry-flavored gelatin have all been good examples of foods that have had a history of containing Red Dye No. 3. Companies are working fast to make the switch to approved coloring methods, but in the meantime, you can still see a list of the products that have yet to make the switch.

The US Department of Agriculture is keeping a running total of branded foods still containing Red Dye No. 3. Their food data center lists 71 items still containing Red Dye No. 3. Manufacturers have until January 15th, 2027 to remove Erythrosine from edible products.