In A Collagen Casing Colored With Colorings And Red #3

Red #3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic red food dye. It is manufactured from petroleum and is used to impart a cherry-red color to various food products.

Manufacturers add Red #3 to give foods a red or pink color. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods, maraschino cherries, and processed meat products, such as the collagen casings of smoked beef sticks.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the use of Red #3 in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. This revocation was based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as studies showed 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. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated Red #3 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated it.