The Pros & Cons of Banning Red Food Dye No. 3

The FDA has finally and officially banned red food dye no. 3.  You won't see this change go into effect for another couple of years to give companies time to pivot and find substitutes to color certain processed foods. Possible, healthier replacements might include purple sweet potatoes and red cabbage or beets. Wouldn't that be nice?

Here's the good part about this change:

1. We are finally seeing forward movement with the FDA protecting consumers.

2. It helps to know that the FDA will respond to mounting pressure and if we keep putting on the pressure, we can start to see more and more changes

3. We can get more answers and transparency with the ingredients allowed in our food products

4. We can feel just a tad better about giving our children certain foods on occasion

Here's the not-so-good-part:

1. This can make it easier for influencers who build businesses off of food fear mongering to get more engagement and clout.

2.  This may amplify certain food noise and fears for certain individuals.

3. This may mislead parents to serve fruit loops to their children every single day - ultra-processed foods are not a  healthy staple regardless of food coloring content.

4. This could lead to increased food costs as now companies need to spend more money to enhance the color of their products.

Here are the biggest takeaways:

1. Red food dye was never a real threat if consumed in small quantities according to all the years of research we have at this point.

2. Fresh is best and ultra processed foods are still ok to consume in small amounts here and there, but are never recommended as daily staples.

3. The dose makes the poison with  most food additives.

4. Don't put your health in anyone's hands except your own. Whether it's allowed in our food products or not, stay aware and educated and meet with a dietitian, so you can make the best and most informed choices for you and your family.