FDA Status
Banned
Since 2025-01-15
Red 3 (Erythrosine) (E127), CAS 16423-68-0, is a color additive additive holding a composite safety score of 1 out of 5 (Banned / Avoid). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Banned (status effective 2025-01-15), while the European Union lists it as Approved. It is most commonly used as Candy, frosting, cake mixes, maraschino cherries, popsicles.
Regulatory pressure is notable: 10 U.S. states have enacted legislation targeting Red 3 (Erythrosine), including Arizona, California, Colorado and 7 others. State actions frequently diverge from federal FDA policy, with legislative trends tending toward stricter controls than the federal baseline. Our regulatory timeline records 3 distinct regulatory events spanning multiple jurisdictions, illustrating how oversight has evolved over time.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Red 3 (Erythrosine), which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2011-01-27. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Banned (2025-01-15) | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E127 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 16423-68-0 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 1 / 5 (Banned / Avoid) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 10 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
1.0 / 5
Composite Safety Banned / Avoid
Safety Score: 1 out of 5
Safety Rating 20.0%
EU Status
Approved
E127
U.S. State Regulations
10 states
Arizona, California
Safety Assessment
Red 3 (Erythrosine) receives a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has banned Red 3 (Erythrosine) from food use, indicating sufficient evidence of safety concerns.
Notably, 10 US states have enacted regulations targeting Red 3 (Erythrosine), reflecting growing legislative attention to food additive safety at the state level. These state actions may differ from federal FDA policy and can range from outright bans to usage restrictions in certain product categories.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Red 3 (Erythrosine). Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Red 3 (Erythrosine)?
Synthetic red dye derived from coal tar. Used in candies, baked goods, and maraschino cherries.
Health Concerns
- Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies. The FDA banned it in January 2025 after decades of petitions.
Common Uses
Candy, frosting, cake mixes, maraschino cherries, popsicles
Regulatory Timeline
2025-01-15 FDA
Banned in Food
FDA revoked authorization for Red 3 in food. Products must reformulate by January 2027.
2023-10-07 CA
State Ban Signed
California AB 418 signed, banning Red 3 effective 2027.
1990-01-29 FDA
Banned in Cosmetics
FDA banned Red 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs
State Regulations
| State | Status | Effective Date | Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Proposed Ban | TBD | HB 2476 |
| California | Banned | 2027-01-01 | AB 418 |
| Colorado | Proposed Ban | TBD | HB 25-1176 |
| Illinois | Banned | 2027-01-01 | HB 2415 |
| Minnesota | Proposed Ban | TBD | HF 1734 |
| New Jersey | Proposed Ban | TBD | A 3817 |
| New York | Banned | 2027-07-01 | A 6424 |
| Texas | Proposed Ban | TBD | SB 1351 |
| Washington | Banned | 2027-01-01 | SB 5765 |
| West Virginia | Banned | 2026-06-01 | SB 467 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red 3 (Erythrosine) safe to consume?
Red 3 (Erythrosine) has a safety score of 1/5 (Banned / Avoid). It is banned by the FDA. It is regulated in 10 US states. Check with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What is Red 3 (Erythrosine) used for in food?
Red 3 (Erythrosine) is commonly used as: Candy, frosting, cake mixes, maraschino cherries, popsicles. It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Is Red 3 (Erythrosine) banned in any US states?
Yes, Red 3 (Erythrosine) is regulated in 10 US states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, West Virginia. Regulations vary from full bans to restrictions on specific uses.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Red 3 (Erythrosine)?
The FDA classifies Red 3 (Erythrosine) as "Banned", while the EU status is "Approved" (E127). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Red 3 (Erythrosine)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Red 3 (Erythrosine): Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies. The FDA banned it in January 2025 after decades of petitions.. These findings inform its safety score of 1/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Red 3 (Erythrosine) calculated?
The safety score of 1/5 for Red 3 (Erythrosine) is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
Explore PlainIngredients
Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Color Additive Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial