Red 3 (Erythrosine)

Also known as: Erythrosine, E127, FD&C Red No. 3

Varies by useunder our published method

Varies by use. The concern our method flags differs by product type and market — see the per-use verdicts below.

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Red 3, or erythrosine (E127), is a synthetic cherry-red food colour once common in sweets, maraschino cherries and some baked goods.

Why people ask

Red 3 became a top search after the US moved to withdraw it from food in 2025; shoppers ask what changed and where it is still allowed.

What our method flags — by use

Food · US

In US food, our method rates Red 3 as higher-concern: the FDA revoked its authorisation for food and ingested drugs on 15 January 2025, with phase-out dates in 2027-2028.

The US FDA restricted Red 3 by revoking its colour-additive authorisation for food and ingested drugs on 15 January 2025, setting a phase-out through 2027-2028 (a binding US action).

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
US FDA	The US FDA restricted Red 3 by revoking its colour-additive authorisation for food and ingested drugs on 15 January 2025, setting a phase-out through 2027-2028 (a binding US action).	authority_regulatory	2025-01-15	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Food · EU

In EU food, our method rates Red 3 as moderate-concern: it is permitted only for a few narrow uses rather than withdrawn.

The EU restricted erythrosine (E127) to limited permitted uses such as cocktail and candied cherries under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 (a binding EU status that differs from the US action).

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
European Commission	The EU restricted erythrosine (E127) to limited permitted uses such as cocktail and candied cherries under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 (a binding EU status that differs from the US action).	authority_regulatory	2010-07-20	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product's score, Red 3 contributes a concern signal our method weights most heavily for US food after the 2025 withdrawal, and less for EU food where only narrow uses remain.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Is Red 3 still in food?: In the US it is being phased out after the 2025 withdrawal; in the EU it remains permitted only for a few narrow uses. The current status is shown per market above.

This is what Red 3 (Erythrosine) is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.