Red Dye 3 Ban

Red Dye 3 Ban – What It Means for Your Kids’ Behavior. Dr. Katherine Lewitzke, Clinic Director at Bright Pine Behavioral Health explains how food dyes affect moods and behavior.

The FDA’s Red No 3 Ban: What It Means for Your Kids’ Behavior (and How Bright Pine Behavioral Health Can Help!)

By Dr. Katherine Lewitzke, Clinic Director at Bright Pine Behavioral Health and Proud Oakland County Mom

If you’ve ever wondered why your kid turns into a human pinball after a red lollipop, you’re not alone. Big news just dropped: the FDA is banning Red No 3 (Erythrosine) from food and ingested drugs starting January 2027.

As a psychologist and a mom, I’m here to unpack what this means for our kids’ behavior—and how Bright Pine can support your family with testing and counseling services right here in Oakland County. Let’s dig in!

Red Dye 3 Ban – What is Red Dye 3?

Red No. 3 – The Candy-Coated Culprit – Picture your little one chowing down on a bright red cupcake, only to morph into a tiny tornado five minutes later. Sound familiar? Red No 3 has been jazzing up candies, snacks, and even some meds with its vibrant hue for decades. But here’s the scoop: studies have linked artificial dyes like this one to behavioral shifts—think hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity—especially in kids with ADHD.

Red Dye 3 Ban – Why Is It Banned?

The FDA’s ban came after evidence showed Red No 3 causes cancer in rats (yikes!), but I’m just as pumped about its potential behavioral impact. Research, from the ‘70s to today, suggests synthetic dyes can turn our kids’ chill vibes into chaos. I’ve seen it myself—too many red gummy worms, and my own crew goes from zero to sixty.

Red Dye 3 Ban – Other Food Additives Can Affect Behavior Too

Red No. 3 isn’t flying solo. Other artificial colors like Yellow 5 and Blue 1, plus preservatives and sweeteners, sneak into processed foods and might mess with our kids’ focus, mood, and sleep. Studies—like ones showing ADHD symptoms dropping after dye-free diets—hint that what’s on the plate matters as much as screen time or bedtime battles.
At Bright Pine Behavioral Health, we’ve worked with tons of parents in West Bloomfield, Troy, and Clarkston who are stumped by their kid’s behavior. Sometimes, it’s not just stress or schedules—it’s food additives playing the villain. With Red No. 3 on its way out, it’s a perfect time to rethink what’s fueling our families.

Red Dye 3 Ban – Why the FDA Ban Matters (But Isn’t the Whole Fix)

The Red No. 3 ban, kicking in January 15, 2027 (with some exceptions), is a major win. I’m over here cheering! But let’s keep it real—thousands of other additives are still in play, and the FDA’s “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) loophole lets companies slip new stuff in without much scrutiny. That’s why I’m all about empowering you to take charge—starting with smarter snacks and expert help when you need it.

Bright Pine Behavioral Health Can Help in Decoding Behavior

At Bright Pine, we’re not just about spotting issues—we’re about solving them. Our doctoral-level psychologists and therapists are pros at figuring out what’s behind your kid’s meltdowns or focus flops, whether it’s food additives, ADHD, anxiety, or something else.

OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS FAMILY HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ARTICLES

Red Dye 3 Ban – Here’s how Bright Pine Behavioral Health Can Help

Psychological Testing: Get to the Root
Curious if diet’s the culprit—or if there’s more to the story? Our testing services—like ADHD evaluations and autism assessments—give you clear answers and a roadmap forward. We’re here to sleuth it out with you.

Counseling Services: Tailored Support for Kids and Families
From tantrums to teen angst, our evidence-based therapy (think CBT and more) helps your family thrive. With three offices across Oakland County, we’re your local go-to for personalized, compassionate mental health and behavioral care. I’m proud to lead a team that makes mental health feel approachable—because every child, teen, and adult deserves to shine.

Red Dye 3 Ban – Dr. Kat’s Mom-Approved Tips for Tackling Food Additives

While we wait for Red No. 3 (and hopefully other dyes) to exit stage left, here are my go-to tricks—tested at home and shared with our families—to keep additives in check:

Play Label Detective – Scan for “artificial colors” or specific dyes. If it sounds sci-fi, skip it!
Choose Nature’s Rainbow – Trade dyed snacks for fruits and veggies. Red strawberries trump red candy every time.
Experiment Time – Go dye-free for a week and watch for changes. You might be shocked!
Call the Pros – If behavior quirks linger, our assessment and counseling services can help pinpoint the “why” and “how.”

Let’s Team Up for Happier, Healthier Kids

The FDA’s Red Dye 3 ban is a win for our kids, but it’s just the beginning. As a mom and psychologist, I’m here to help you connect the dots between food, behavior, and mental health.

ABOUT Bright Pine Behavioral Health Clarkston
Bright Pine Behavioral Health is a private mental health practice located in Oakland County at 3 locations – Clarkston, Troy, and West Bloomfield. They provide comprehensive standardized neuropsychological assessment and therapy services for the treatment of behavioral problems, mood, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Bright Pine Behavioral Health Clarkston works with children, teens, and adults.

Bright Pine Behavioral Health Clarkston
6060 Dixie Highway, Suite H
Clarkston, MI 48346
248-455-6619
www.brightpinepsychology.com

Bright Pine Behavioral Health Troy
1739 W Big Beaver Rd
Troy, MI 48084
248-455-6619
www.brightpinepsychology.com

Bright Pine Behavioral Health West Bloomfield
5777 W Maple Rd # 145
West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
248-455-6619
www.brightpinepsychology.com

For more info on the Red Dye 3 Ban and help with your children’s behavior, visit our friends at Bright Pine Behavioral Health at www.brightpinepsychology.com