New Englanders, and especially Mainers, have always been red hot dog fans. When I was a kid, I never knew that hot dogs came in any other color until I saw a brown one. I was horrified.

Sadly, only one red hot dog company in Maine is still in business. Jordan's Meats once had plants in Augusta, Bangor, and Portland. Tyson Foods eventually bought the company and shut all its plants in Maine down in 2005. It was a sad day when the bulldozers came in to rip down the Portland facility.

Jeff Parsons
Jeff Parsons
loading...

W.A. Bean & Sons in Bangor is the only company left that still makes red hot dogs in Maine, but it has a new problem.

Red Dye #3 Ban

W A Bean & Sons via Facebook
W A Bean & Sons via Facebook
loading...

In January, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of red dye #3, which is found in thousands of foods, including red hot dogs. W.A. Bean & Sons expected this would happen eventually, so they were ready to pivot.

According to the Bangor Daily News, W.A. Bean & Sonds have been looking at ways to keep the color and taste that we are so fond of the same, without the use of red dye #3. They've been making test batches and say that they expect to have something ready soon.

There's Still Plenty of Time

Walmart
Walmart
loading...

The FDA ban on red dye #3 does not go into effect until Jan. 15, 2027. Three years from now should be plenty of time for W.A. Bean & Sons to keep those dogs bright red. Kayem Meats also makes red hot dogs under their brand and the defunct Jordan's brand that they now own and still manufacture. Whether or not Kayem decides to keep selling their red hot dogs without red dye #3 remains to be seen.

READ MORE: 15 Best Hot Dogs in Maine

Take a Look at These Super Rare, Crazy-Colored Lobsters Found in Maine, New England

Here Are the 10 Best Cities for Singles in Maine for 2024

HomeSnacks recently released their list of 'The 10 Best Cities for Singles in Maine for 2024,' ranking cities based on factors such as population density, median age, and the number of unmarried residents. Keep reading to find out which cities in Maine are the absolute best for those without a wedding ring!

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

More From 94.9 WHOM