FDA Ban: What Iowa Shoppers Need to Know About Valentine’s Day Treats

When you think of Valentine's Day, a few colors are associated with it: red, pink, and white, but mostly red. According to Very Well Mind, red is associated with passion, love, and desire. That red might look a little different very soon.

What's the Big Deal With Red Dye #3?

Valentine's Day in Eastern Iowa could look a little less red in the coming years because of a recent FDA ban.  The ban was just enacted, so it's doubtful that the red coloring will be removed from products this year.

The FDA has finally decided to pull the plug on Red 3, a controversial dye that’s been sneaking its way into our food and drinks for years. While it was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications decades ago after studies showed it caused cancer in rats, it somehow stayed in our snack foods and beverages—until now.

So, let me see if I can follow the logic. The FDA banned it in cosmetics, but still allowed it to be ingested.  Don't put it on your body, but it should be fine to eat. Oh, boy.  Just so you know, Red Dye #3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990!

Why Should I Care About This Now?

Even though Red Dye #3 will still be in some products this Valentine’s Day, you can still educate yourself about which ones are using it. While a lot of brands have switched to the safer Red Dye #40, there are still plenty of products out there that rely on Red Dye #3. So, take a moment to check those labels before you grab your treats!

What Do I Look for in the Ingredients?

The kicker? It’s been right there on the ingredient list all along. Known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, this dye has been coloring everything from candies to processed snacks, despite the red flags. Consumer watchdogs have been keeping an eye on companies that still use it, but for many shoppers, the dye’s been hiding in plain sight.

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With this new FDA order, food makers have no choice but to ditch it. So, the next time you're shopping, be sure to look for Red 3—or better yet, avoid it altogether. This change is long overdue, but it’s about time we get serious about what’s in our food.

Generically, here are the areas you're most likely to see the dye still being used until it's phased out, according to the FDA: candy, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and frostings and icings, as well as certain ingested drugs.

Here are some products that are still using Red Dye #3, so you'll know as you head to the store for Valentine's Day.  Sad to say, this is my entire basket at the store.  Also, just a quick reminder about medications, since some gummies and certain cough drops or syrups may still contain those ingredients.

• Brach’s Conversation Hearts
• Brach’s Candy Corn
• Betty Crocker Red Decorating Icing
• TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk
• Kroger Extra Cherry Canned Fruit Cocktail
• Ensure Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake