Families are already avoiding red dye No. 3 due to its potential health risks, as experts weigh in on the FDA’s possible ban.
California: The FDA is looking to ban red dye No. 3, which is in a bunch of popular snacks like gummies and ice cream. They’ve been checking it out since 2022 because folks are worried about its health effects.
Last year, California took a big step by banning this dye along with a few other questionable ingredients in food. It’s the first time a state has done this, and it’s got a lot of parents cheering.
One dad, Matt Parks, is super careful about what his kids eat. He says they really limit red dye No. 3 because they’ve seen how it affects their daughter. She gets more upset and agitated after having it, and even notices the change herself.
Another dad, AJ Yarwood, shares that his kids get hyper and can’t focus when they have red dye No. 3. He’s frustrated that it’s banned in cosmetics but still allowed in food.
Then there’s Carrie Conrad, who says her kids only have it at parties, but it always ends in chaos. She describes it as pure madness when they have red dye, with kids running wild and not listening to any rules.
Experts are weighing in too. Jamie Alan from Michigan State says there’s not a ton of research on red dye No. 3, but it doesn’t really offer any benefits either. He thinks banning it could be a good move.
Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician, is all for the ban. He believes parents deserve to know what’s in their kids’ food and that it’s better to avoid red dye altogether.
He’s seen kids act out after eating candies with this dye, and it’s not just the sugar making them wild. If you can, he suggests going for dye-free options or natural colors like beet extract.
It’s a tricky situation, especially for families who can’t easily find dye-free foods. But it’s clear that many parents are taking this seriously and trying to keep their kids safe.
This article was originally published on April 5, 2023, and has been updated.