FD&C Red No.3 FD&C Blue No:1

FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic red food dye. It is made from petroleum and is approved for use in the United States. FD&C Blue No. 1, also known as brilliant blue FCF, is a synthetic blue food dye also derived from petroleum.

These artificial colorings are added to foods to give them a bright, appealing color. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, and snack foods. Manufacturers use them to make products visually attractive to consumers.

FD&C Red No. 3 was revoked by the FDA for food use in January 2025 due to cancer concerns in male rats, though the FDA stated this is not relevant to human risk. The FDA announced a plan in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including FD&C Red No. 3 and FD&C Blue No. 1, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. California's Food Safety Act (AB 418) will ban FD&C Red No. 3 from food starting in 2027. Both dyes have been evaluated by JECFA, which has set acceptable daily intakes for FD&C Blue No. 1. Evidence regarding behavioral effects in children is mixed.