The FDA has issued a nationwide ban on Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic coloring agent linked to cancer in animal studies. Starting in 2027, companies will no longer be able to use the dye in food, beverages or medications. However, Red Dye No. 3 remains prevalent in thousands of products commonly found in homes today.
In fact, over 9,000 food products sold in the U.S. contain this dye. Think of bright-red candies, fruit-flavored sodas, baked goods, cough syrups and even children’s vitamins. Despite being flagged as a carcinogen more than 30 years ago, Red Dye No. 3 has persisted in everyday consumables.
Health experts say cancer isn’t the only concern. Synthetic dyes, including Red Dye No. 3, have also been linked to behavioral issues. In 2021, a report from California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found that artificial dyes can cause hyperactivity and focus problems in some children. Experts warn that the widespread use of synthetic dyes may be contributing to the rising rates of ADHD, which have nearly doubled since the 1990s.
Many popular kids’ vitamins contain red dye No. 3 and added sugars, contributing to long-term health risks like hyperactivity and attention issues.
Children are particularly vulnerable, as they are growing and developing. Colorful, kid-targeted snacks and supplements pack in synthetic dyes, often marketed under the guise of fun and flavor. Yet, for parents, the long-term health risks are becoming impossible to ignore.
The FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 follows years of lobbying from public health organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Environmental Working Group. Advocates see the move as a significant step in protecting public health. However, critics argue that the timeline is too slow, with children remaining exposed to potentially harmful dyes for the next several years.
What Are Parents To Do?
As more families become aware of the risks associated with synthetic dyes, interest in cleaner, dye-free options for children’s nutrition is growing. Many parents are opting for products that prioritize natural ingredients without added sugars, dyes or artificial flavors. Some kids vitamins on the market contain Red Dye No. 3 or a similar dye, Red Dye No. 40.
Hiya’s Kids Daily Multivitamin offers a clean alternative — no sugar, dyes or artificial ingredients — just essential nutrients to support growing kids.
What Makes Hiya Different?
- 15+ Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Designed to fill common nutritional gaps and support full-body health, including immune function, bone strength and cognitive development.
- No Artificial Dyes: Hiya leaves out synthetic dyes entirely, opting for natural sources of color like beetroot and spirulina.
- No Added Sugar: Hiya avoids the added sugars commonly found in gummy vitamins, which can contribute to cavities and other health issues.
- No Gummy Additives: Gummies often contain heat-sensitive fillers and preservatives. Hiya uses a chewable form that maintains its integrity and nutrient content.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Hiya comes in a reusable glass bottle with monthly refills to reduce plastic waste and keep vitamins fresh.
Hiya’s mission is simple: to provide a high-quality, junk-free vitamin that parents can trust. By focusing on modern nutritional science and real ingredients, Hiya helps parents take the guesswork out of supporting their children’s health.
Make the Switch to Hiya’s Dye-Free Multivitamin
Discover a healthier way to support your child’s growth and well-being. Learn more about Hiya and get started today.
Resources:
- “FDA to Revoke Authorization for the Use of Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs” – FDA
- “FD&C Red No. 3” – FDA
- “Where is Red 3 legal? See where your state stands” – Center for Science in the Public Interest
- “NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of HC Red No. 3 [2,((Amino-2-nitrophenyl)amino)ethanol] (CAS No. 2871-01-4) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies)” – PubMed
- “New report shows artificial food coloring causes hyperactivity in some kids” – UC Berkeley Public Health
- “Twenty-Year Trends in Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among US Children and Adolescents, 1997-2016” – JAMA Network Open
- “Red 3: FDA finally bans cancer-causing food dye” – Center for Science in the Public Interest
