Red #3 And Blue #1 Lake

Red #3 Lake and Blue #1 Lake are synthetic color additives. A 'lake' color means the dye is mixed with an inert material, usually aluminum hydroxide, to create an insoluble pigment. This form makes the color more stable and suitable for products with little moisture or fat.

These ingredients are used to add color to foods and beverages. They provide vibrant red and blue hues and are often found in candies, baked goods, frostings, and other processed foods.

Red #3 (Erythrosine) was revoked by the FDA for use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. This revocation was due to findings of cancer in male rats, under a specific law (the Delaney Clause), though the FDA stated this is not relevant to human risk. California's Food Safety Act (AB 418) also bans Red #3 in food from 2027. Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) is part of a plan announced by the FDA in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes. Both Red #3 and Blue #1 have been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA, which have set acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children, but evidence is mixed.