E127 Erythrosine (Red 3)

E127ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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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 Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe Beta-Carotene E160aBeta-carotene (E160a) is the orange pigment in carrots, and it's safe as a food color. Your body turns some of it into vitamin A. High-dose supplements raised lung cancer risk in smokers, but food coloring amounts are far smaller.Generally safe Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue 1) E133Blue 1 (E133) is a synthetic blue dye with a cleaner safety record than most petroleum dyes, and it doesn't need a warning in the EU. It's still being removed from California school food and is part of the FDA's push to phase out synthetic dyes.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