E127 Erythrosine (Red 3)

E127ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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No animal ingredients.

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The short answer

Red 3 (E127) is a pink dye the FDA is removing from US food by 2027 because of cancer findings in rats. The EU already limits it to candied cherries.

25/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE127

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit0.1 mg/kg

Also calledRed 3, FD&C Red 3

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDABanned

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaRestrictedBanned in California food from 2027 (California Food Safety Act, AB 418)

In January 2025 the FDA revoked its approval for food, effective January 2027, after it caused thyroid tumors in male rats. The EU only allows it in cocktail and candied cherries.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

7.0 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 0.1 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 2.0 mg a day.

What is it?

Erythrosine gives a bright cherry-pink color. It has been banned in cosmetics in the US since 1990, and food followed in 2025.

Where it comes from: A synthetic cherry-pink dye containing iodine, made from petroleum-derived chemicals.

Why it’s in food

Colors candied and maraschino cherries
Pink candy and frosting
Some medications

Often found in

Maraschino cherriesCandy heartsFrostingFruit cocktail cups

Also listed as: Red 3, FD&C Red 3, Red No. 3, Erythrosine

Health & gut impact

Thyroid tumorsUnder study

High doses caused thyroid tumors in male rats; this triggered the US Delaney Clause, which bans additives shown to cause cancer in animals.

FDA Federal Register, 90 FR 4628 (2025)

HyperactivityUnder study

Synthetic dyes as a group have been linked to behavior effects in some children.

OEHHA (2021)

What can I use instead?

Beet juice

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Pink frosting and cherries

Cherry juice concentrate

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Candied fruit

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Carmine (Cochineal) E120Carmine (E120) is a red dye made from crushed insects. It's not vegan, vegetarian or kosher, and halal status is disputed. It can cause rare severe allergies.Use in moderation Tartrazine (Yellow 5) E102Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102) is a synthetic yellow dye linked to hyperactivity in some children and to hives in sensitive people. It must carry a warning in the EU.Best to avoid Titanium Dioxide E171Titanium dioxide (E171) is a white coloring banned in EU food since 2022 because damage to DNA couldn't be ruled out. It's still allowed in the US and Canada.Best to avoid

Common questions

Is Red 3 safe?

Best to avoid (25/100). In January 2025 the FDA revoked its approval for food, effective January 2027, after it caused thyroid tumors in male rats. The EU only allows it in cocktail and candied cherries.

Is Red 3 vegan?

Yes. No animal ingredients.

Is Red 3 gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 74.303 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E127
FDA Federal Register, 90 FR 4628 (2025)
OEHHA (2021)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 127 · CAS 16423-68-0