Which products contain Red 3 dye? Checking ingredient labels is the best way to find out

The Food and Drug Administration is ordering food and drug manufacturers to remove a dye called Red 3 from products that American consumers eat and drink.

The dye was banned from cosmetics and non-oral drugs decades ago because a study showed it caused cancer when eaten by rats. But it continued to appear on the ingredient lists of popular snack foods and other food products because it remained approved for use until now.

Consumer advocates monitor manufacturers that still include the additive, and companies often switch to less popular alternatives. Shoppers should always check food labels to see if an item they want to buy includes Red 3, which is also known as erythrosine, and FD&C Red No. 3.

These are some of the product categories where color is most likely to appear.

BABOMES

Brach’s Conversation Hearts and Brach’s Candy Corn contain Red 3. But some other red candies, like Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, use Red 40.

BAKED GOODS AND SNACKS

Some baked goods and snacks—mostly red frosting—contain red 3. Betty Crocker’s red frosting contains red 3. But Pillsbury’s Funfetti Vanilla Frosting for Valentine’s Day—which swirls with small red hearts – use Red 40.

DAIRY AND FROZEN FOODS

Check for Red 3 in strawberry flavored milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt and popcorn. TruMoo Strawberry Whole Milk contains red 3. But Edy’s Strawberry ice cream and Popsicle brand fruit use beet juice for coloring.

FRUIT PRODUCTS

Many maraschino cherry brands — including store brands from Walmart and Kroger — have switched to Red 40. But Kroger Extra Cherry Canned Fruit Cocktail contains Red 3.

DRINKS

Make sure the Original Strawberry Nutrition Shake contains Red 3. But many beverage brands use Red 40, including Hawaiian Punch and Kool-Aid, Fanta and Jarritos strawberry sodas, and Faygo black cherry soda.

DRUGS

Consumer advocates say some gummy vitamins and medications contain Red 3. But others use natural dyes or alternative colors.

Vicks Formula 44, Luden’s, and Halls cough drops all use Red 40. Mucinex Children’s Cough Syrup, Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion for Adults, and Vick’s NyQuil Cold and Flu also use Red 40.