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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add erythrosine to give foods a cherry-red color. It is commonly found in …
What it is
Erythrosine, also known as FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic (man-made) red dye. It is produced through chemical synthesis.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add erythrosine to give foods a cherry-red color. It is commonly found in candies, glazes, popcorn, and other processed foods.
Health notes
In the United States, erythrosine was approved by the FDA as a color additive for food. However, the FDA revoked its approval for use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. Some scientific studies have raised questions about its safety, particularly concerning thyroid function and potential links to cancer in animals at very high doses, though human evidence at typical intake levels is mixed. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated erythrosine.
Allergen info
Erythrosine is a synthetic dye and is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens. Not a major allergen.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.