NC Foods Will No Longer Be The Same After Government Ban

In a significant move on January 16th, the FDA announced it will ban Red Dye No. 3, a controversial food coloring that has been linked to cancer in animals. This decision will impact many popular snacks, drinks, and treats in North Carolina, as manufacturers will need to remove this artificial color from their products by January 2027.

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Foods in North Carolina Will No Longer Be the Same After Government Ban

Red Dye No. 3, which has been used in food for over 50 years, has faced criticism for its potential health risks. Although the FDA insists there’s no clear evidence that it harms humans, studies have shown that large amounts of the dye can cause cancer in rats. The agency's decision is based on a law called the Delaney Clause, which bans any food ingredient found to cause cancer, even at low doses.

What Does This Ban Mean for North Carolina?

For consumers in North Carolina, this means that many popular foods and drinks will look and taste different in the coming years. Here’s a look at some of the products that will be affected:
1. Candy
2. Beverages
3. Snacks and Desserts
4. Processed Foods
Detailed List of Foods Below

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How Will Local Businesses Be Affected?

North Carolina food producers will face challenges replacing Red Dye No. 3 with costlier natural colorants like beet juice and paprika. While some businesses have already made the switch, many small manufacturers may struggle with increased production costs.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

The FDA’s ban on Red Dye No. 3 could lead to healthier food options in North Carolina, as consumers increasingly prefer natural, chemical-free products. This shift will likely boost demand for foods colored with plant-based alternatives like beet juice and hibiscus, reflecting a growing trend toward cleaner ingredients and more transparent labeling.

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What’s Next for Red Dye No. 3?

As the deadline approaches in 2027, food producers across the country will work to eliminate Red Dye No. 3 from their products. This will require reformulation, testing, and changes in packaging. For North Carolinians, this could mean saying goodbye to some familiar-looking treats, but it also opens the door to healthier alternatives and a cleaner food system.

These Foods Will No Longer Be The Same After Government Ban

Red Dye No. 3, also called Erythrosine, is a synthetic red food coloring used in many food products. However, its use has been restricted in some countries due to concerns about health risks. In the U.S., federal officials have proposed banning the dye, which is found in drinks and snacks and has been linked to cancer in animals. This move comes long after the dye was banned in cosmetics.

Here's a list of foods that may contain Red Dye No. 3:

The use of Red Dye No. 3 is increasingly being replaced by other, potentially safer color additives like beet juice powder or other natural dyes due to growing concerns about health risks.

In the coming years, expect to see North Carolina’s snack aisles and candy shelves looking a little different, with new, natural alternatives to the artificial red color that has been so widely used for decades. For better or worse, these familiar foods are about to change — and it’s all part of the ongoing effort to make our food safer and healthier.