Compare: Red 3 (Erythrosine) vs. Red 40 (Allura Red)
Side-by-side regulatory data for each additive below, from the same FDA, EU, and state-legislation records as every ingredient page. The safety score is a transparent derived index computed from this regulatory data, not an official FDA/EU rating; this view compares facts from the source datasets, it is not a purchase recommendation for either additive.
Red 40 (Allura Red) scores 1 point higher than Red 3 (Erythrosine) on the 1-5 safety scale (1 vs 10 states with regulatory action on each). A higher score reflects a cleaner regulatory and scientific record across FDA, EU, and state actions, not a lab-tested potency difference between the two additives.
Color Additive
Red 3 (Erythrosine)
1/5
- FDA status
- Banned
- EU status
- Approved
- States with action
- 10 states
- Common uses
- Candy, frosting, cake mixes, maraschino cherries, popsicles
- Health concerns
- Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies. The FDA banned it in January 2025 after decades of petitions.
Color Additive
Red 40 (Allura Red)
2/5
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- Approved
- States with action
- 1 state
- Common uses
- Beverages, candy, cereal, snacks, condiments
- Health concerns
- Studies link to hyperactivity in children. FDA phaseout announced by end of 2027.
Source: FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) inventory and EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, plus U.S. state food-safety legislation. Data current as of May 2026. Comparison reflects facts from the source datasets only, not a PlainIngredients recommendation.