Cherries Colored With Red #3
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What it is
These are cherries that have been treated with Red #3, a synthetic color additive. Red #3 is an artificial dye used to give foods a red or pink color.
Why it's used
Red #3 is added to cherries to enhance or standardize their red color, making them appear more vibrant and appealing. Such colored cherries are commonly found in canned fruit cocktails and fruit medleys.
Health notes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the use of Red #3 in food, effective January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. This revocation was based on the Delaney Clause, as it caused cancer in male rats, though the FDA stated this finding is not relevant to human risk. The California Food Safety Act (AB 418) also bans Red #3 in food from 2027. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated Red #3.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.