In a move that has drawn attention nationwide, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food products. Local health officials, including those from the Mesa County Public Health Department, say this ban aligns with their long-standing recommendations for healthier eating choices.

A Step Toward Healthier Food Choices

The FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 in food items is not only a regulatory change—it’s part of a broader public health initiative aimed at reducing potentially harmful food additives. Mesa County Public Health has long advocated for healthier diets, and local health officials say the ban reinforces the steps they’ve already been advising.

Kathleen Larson, a Dietitian and Lactation Consultant with the Woman, Infant, and Children (WIC) program within the Mesa County Public Health Department, praised the ban as a positive move. Larson emphasized that her department has long recommended avoiding the use of artificial food dyes, particularly Red Dye No. 3, due to concerns about potential health risks.

“For years, we’ve been encouraging the community to be mindful of what they eat,” Larson explained. “This is just one more way to ensure that families are providing healthy food choices for their children.”

Local Impact: A Change in Consumer Behavior

Locally, Mesa County health officials believe the ban will encourage residents to take a closer look at their food choices. The WIC program, which provides nutritional support to pregnant women, new mothers, and children, has long advocated for better food options. In light of the ban, they are emphasizing that the change provides an opportunity to educate the community about healthier eating habits.

Consumers are urged to read nutrition labels more carefully as they shop. Starting immediately, shoppers can look for food items that are free of the banned dye, which will help avoid consuming artificial ingredients. By 2027, the FDA will require all food manufacturers to phase out the use of Red Dye No. 3, but for now, people can begin making more informed choices.

A Healthier Environment for Families

The move to ban Red Dye No. 3 reflects growing awareness about the potential harms of artificial food additives. While the dye has been linked to health concerns, including possible developmental and behavioral issues, many manufacturers had already moved away from using it in response to consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredients.

“People are becoming more aware of what goes into their food,” Larson said. “This is an excellent opportunity to start thinking critically about the nutritional value of the food we’re putting into our bodies and making smarter, more informed decisions.”

In Mesa County, the WIC program encourages families to choose foods that are free from synthetic colors and additives. Their advice aligns with the FDA’s latest policy, which is part of a nationwide push to improve food safety standards and reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

WIC’s Role in Promoting Healthy Eating

WIC provides critical support to many families in Mesa County, offering nutrition education and assistance with purchasing healthy food. The program’s mission is to ensure that mothers and children have access to affordable, nutritious food options, and this recent development will help reinforce that goal.

For WIC officials, the ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a clear step forward. “This is about creating a healthy environment for families,” Larson explained. “By avoiding harmful additives, we’re not just making our meals more nutritious—we’re also supporting the overall well-being of our children and communities.”

What’s Next for Food Manufacturers?

Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to remove Red Dye No. 3 from their products, giving them ample time to transition to alternative coloring options. While some companies have already made the change, others will need to adjust their formulas to comply with the new FDA regulations.

This timeline gives consumers time to adjust as well. Those looking to avoid artificial colors can already begin searching for alternatives, which are becoming more widely available. Many food brands are already focusing on natural colorants, such as beet juice or spirulina powder, to replace artificial dyes.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

For those wanting to make a change immediately, there are a few simple steps to take:

• Check Nutrition Labels: Look for products that don’t list artificial colors, specifically Red Dye No. 3.
• Choose Whole Foods: Fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods naturally provide rich colors without the need for additives.
• Support Brands Committed to Clean Ingredients: More and more food companies are embracing natural ingredients and transparent labeling practices.