Red 3 (Erythrosine): What It Is and Why It's Restricted
Red 3, also known as Erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic cherry-red food dye derived from petroleum. It has been used for decades in maraschino cherries, certain candies, and some medications. Regulatory agencies in the EU and elsewhere have restricted its use due to concerns about thyroid effects observed in animal studies, while the FDA has maintained its approval for food use despite banning it from cosmetics in 1990.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.
What Is Red 3?
Red 3 (E127 in the EU, FD&C Red No. 3 in the US) is a water-soluble synthetic dye that produces a bright cherry-red color. It belongs to the xanthene dye family and is derived from coal tar or petroleum. It is used in food, pharmaceuticals, and formerly in cosmetics.
Regulatory Status: EU vs US
The FDA banned Red 3 from cosmetics and externally applied drugs in 1990 after studies showed it caused thyroid tumors in male rats at high doses. However, the FDA did not extend the ban to food at that time, citing that the mechanism was rat-specific and not relevant to humans at typical dietary exposures. In the EU, Red 3 (E127) is permitted only in a narrow list of foods including cocktail cherries and certain candied fruits, with strict maximum levels. The EU's EFSA has flagged it for re-evaluation. In January 2025, the FDA announced it would revoke authorization for Red 3 in food and ingested drugs, citing the Delaney Clause which prohibits approval of additives shown to be carcinogenic in animals.
Where Is Red 3 Found?
Red 3 is most commonly found in maraschino cherries, certain fruit cocktails, some candies and confections, popsicles, and some medications. It may appear on labels as 'Red 3', 'FD&C Red No. 3', 'Erythrosine', or 'E127'.
Health Concerns
The primary concern with Red 3 is its association with thyroid tumors in male rats at high doses. Regulatory agencies generally consider the mechanism to be rat-specific and not directly applicable to humans at normal dietary exposures. However, the Delaney Clause in US law prohibits approval of any additive shown to be carcinogenic in animals, regardless of dose or mechanism, which is why the FDA ultimately moved to revoke its food authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Red 3 banned in the EU?
- Red 3 (E127) is permitted in the EU only in a very narrow list of foods such as cocktail cherries and certain candied fruits, with strict maximum levels. It is not broadly permitted and is under ongoing re-evaluation by EFSA.
- Is Red 3 still used in US food?
- Red 3 has been used in US food for decades. In January 2025, the FDA announced it would revoke its authorization for food and ingested drugs. Food manufacturers were given time to reformulate.
- How do I spot Red 3 on a food label?
- Look for 'Red 3', 'FD&C Red No. 3', 'Erythrosine', or 'E127' in the ingredients list.