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Food additives · Erythrosine (Red No. 3)

Where erythrosine (Red No. 3) is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

E127 · Banned in 0 of 8 · Allowed in 1 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionRestricted

    Allowed only in cocktail and candied cherries.

  • United KingdomRestricted

    Same narrow use as the EU.

  • ChinaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check GB 2760-2024, the national food additive standard.

  • RussiaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check EAEU technical regulation TR CU 029/2012 on additives.

  • JapanNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check MHLW list of designated food additives.

  • United StatesRestricted

    Authorisation revoked Jan 2025. Must be out of food by 15 Jan 2027 and ingested drugs by 18 Jan 2028.

  • CanadaAllowed

    Health Canada says it poses no risk at permitted levels and will act only on new evidence.

  • MexicoNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: —

Why is it restricted?

High doses caused thyroid tumours in male rats. US law (the Delaney Clause) forbids any additive shown to cause cancer in animals, which is why FDA finally acted in 2025.

Where is it found?

Candy, maraschino and cocktail cherries, frosting, some baked goods.

How do I spot it on a label?

  • FD&C Red No. 3
  • Red 3
  • erythrosine
  • E127

What you can do: Look for "Red 3" or "erythrosine". In Canada it can still appear in candy and glazed cherries.

Quick answers

Is erythrosine allowed in food in Canada?
Allowed. Health Canada says it poses no risk at permitted levels and will act only on new evidence.
Is erythrosine allowed in food in the United States?
Restricted. Authorisation revoked Jan 2025. Must be out of food by 15 Jan 2027 and ingested drugs by 18 Jan 2028.
Is erythrosine allowed in food in the European Union?
Restricted. Allowed only in cocktail and candied cherries.

Sources

  1. 4.FDA: FD&C Red No. 3 (opens in a new tab)fda.gov · Primary: government, court or law
  2. 5.McGuireWoods: FDA bans Red Dye No. 3, sets deadlines (opens in a new tab)mcguirewoods.com · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media
  3. 6.CBC News: Health Canada position on Red No. 3 (opens in a new tab)cbc.ca · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media

General information, not legal or medical advice. “Banned elsewhere” doesn't automatically mean unsafe: some bans rest on animal welfare, trade or caution. Read the fact checks before sharing a list.

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