By Christiana Eckard
Maraschino cherries, PEZ candy, Jelly Belly treats and Entenmann’s Little Bites all share more than fan-favorite status — they contain Red No. 3, a dye set to be banned from shelves by 2027.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to ban Red No. 3, an artificial food dye that gives food a bright red color, forces Florida’s food industry to adapt.
The ban, enacted due to health concerns, has created discussions among health experts, food manufacturers and consumers about its potential impact and what it could mean for the industry’s future.
As businesses reformulate products and consumers learn about the ban, it marks a shift toward cleaner food production for all of Florida and the United States.
“This ban is a step in the right direction, but the ultimate goal is to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods altogether,” said Dr. Lauri Wright, USF’s director of nutrition programs.
“I shy away from vilifying additives and focus instead on the bigger picture of moving away from ultra-processed foods,” she said.
She emphasized that while the ban is significant, it should be part of a larger push for better nutrition. While banning certain ingredients marks a positive change, experts agree that addressing the broader food system is essential for long-term health improvements.
“Instead of focusing on one dye, we should encourage people to adopt a more whole-food-based diet,” Wright said. “Artificial dyes are just one piece of the puzzle.”
The FDA’s decision is based on recent research that connects Red No. 3 to significant health risks. While studies have shown carcinogenic effects in animals, human studies have remained inconclusive.
The dye, which is used in most candies and snacks, has been associated with endocrine disruption, behavioral concerns in children and gut health disturbances.
These findings have prompted public health experts like Wright to advocate for broader changes in food safety regulations.
Stephanie Ferry, a nurse who specializes in cancer treatments at Morton Plant Hospital, emphasized the importance of health awareness.
“I think people should understand what they are putting in their body,” Ferry said. “One hundred years ago, yes, people were chain-smoking cigarettes, but things have changed. We need to start taking care of our health and see what is right in front of our faces.”
Ferry also said that education about these dyes and ingredients is crucial to creating a healthier environment for everyone.
“This isn’t being spoken about enough,” Ferry said. “It isn’t being taught in my kids’ schools, so I doubt it’s being discussed anywhere else. Not knowing what is bad for your health is just as detrimental as ingesting these artificial dyes.”
Laurie Lieber, manager of Tasty Treats Café, said that she was “unaware of the ban.”
Tasty Treats Café, located in St. Petersburg, offers a variety of bakery items, cakes and other food options. The family-operated store was unaware of what Red No. 3 was and did not give any indication for reformulation.
As businesses work through the transition, consumers adjust to the new reality. Outside Rocket Fizz, a candy shop in St. Petersburg known for its nostalgic and brightly colored sweets, shoppers had mixed reactions to the ban.
“I had no idea they were banning Red No. 3,” said Angela Robinson, a resident who had just purchased a bag of cherry-flavored sour gummies.
“I guess it’s a good thing if it’s bad for you, but I also feel like we’ve been eating this stuff for years,” Robinson said. “How dangerous can it be?”
Others were more focused on what it meant for their favorite treats.
“I love how the wax bottles candies look and taste,” Rocket Fizz customer Olivia Marsh said. “If they can find a natural way to keep them the same, I’m all for it. But I don’t want them to change too much—I buy them because they remind me of my childhood.”
As Florida businesses and shoppers navigate these changes, experts agree that the ban signals a growing movement toward cleaner, more transparent food production. Whether this shift will lead to broader policy changes remains to be seen, but for now, consumers can expect to see reformulated products on store shelves soon.