Beware of Halloween Candy: Red Dye 3 Linked to Cancer and Banned in Europe

This Halloween season, unsuspecting shoppers may face a hidden peril in their candy purchases: Red Dye 3. Banned in Europe and for cosmetic use in the U.S., this carcinogen finds its way into some popular Halloween treats, according to Consumer Reports. The pigment, also known as Red Dye No. 3, has shown to cause cancer in animals and has been linked to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral effects in children. This dye is set to be banned in California starting in 2027.

Some of the identified Halloween candies containing Red Dye 3 include Brach's Candy Corn, Brach's Autumn Mix, and Nerds Candy Corn, among others. Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, expressed concern over consumers unknowingly purchasing these treats. Ferrara, the owner of Brach's, asserts that their products are safe and compliant with FDA regulations, countering the claims of Consumer Reports.

Dangers of Red Dye 3

Red Dye 3, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, provides a vibrant red hue to food and beverages. Although banned in cosmetics since 1990 due to its cancer associations in animals, the FDA still permits its use in foods, claiming limited relevance to humans based on animal studies. Despite this, Consumer Reports argues that the dye should be banned in food, dietary supplements, and ingested drugs.

Consumer Response and Future Actions

Ferrara has reportedly been phasing out the use of Red Dye 3 since early 2023 and aims to eliminate it from all products by the end of 2026. However, Consumer Reports emphasizes the need for a total ban on Red Dye 3 in foods to protect consumers.