As a subject matter expert on the history of confectionery products, I can provide an explanation for the absence of red M&Ms during the specified period.

Between 1976 and 1987, no red M&Ms were produced primarily due to a controversy surrounding the color additive Red No. 2, which was used to give the candies their distinctive hue. In 1976, studies suggested that Red No. 2 could be linked to cancer in rats, leading to its ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1976. As a result, Mars, Inc., the company behind M&M's, decided to withdraw red M&Ms from production to avoid using the additive.

After the ban, Mars, Inc. explored alternative methods to achieve the red color without the controversial additive. It wasn't until 1987 that they reintroduced red M&Ms using a different colorant that was deemed safe by the FDA.

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Red M&Ms were discontinued in 1976 because of "confusion and concern" over Red Dye No. 2, which was banned by federal regulators as a health risk, said Fiuczynski. Red M&Ms contained Red Dye Nos. 3 and 40, which are considered safe.read more >>