Ingredient · E127

Red No. 3

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add Red No. 3 primarily to provide a red color to foods and …

What it is

Red No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic color additive. It is a cherry-pink or red dye that is derived from petroleum. It is used to impart a red hue to various food products.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red No. 3 primarily to provide a red color to foods and beverages. It is commonly found in candies, cakes, snack cakes, and other processed foods where a vibrant red color is desired.

Health notes

In the United States, the FDA revoked the approval of Red No. 3 for use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. This action was taken under the Delaney Clause due to evidence of it causing cancer in male rats, though the FDA stated this finding is not relevant to human risk. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated Red No. 3 (E127) and established an acceptable daily intake. California's Food Safety Act (AB 418) also bans Red No. 3 in food from 2027.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Red No. 3

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FRESH FOODS, LLC Love Food, Celebration Cake, Vanilla Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 438kcal 1.2Protein 23.8Fat 53.8Carbs MILY'S CRACKERS Guava & Cheese Pie Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 397kcal 4.0Protein 17.5Fat 55.6Carbs HERMOSA BAKING CO Red Velvet Cheesecake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 346kcal 4.8Protein 21.1Fat 32.7Carbs HERMOSA BAKING CO 12 Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 422kcal 2.2Protein 26.7Fat 46.7Carbs LYKES Red Hot Links Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 250kcal 12.5Protein 19.6Fat 5.4Carbs FARMLAND FOODS Red Hot Links Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 250kcal 12.5Protein 19.6Fat 5.4Carbs Mason Jar Cookie Company LLC Bunnies Chicks & Ducks Cookie Mix Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 310kcal 3.5Protein 3.5Fat 69.0Carbs E & M Corporation Chinese Barbecue Char Siu Seasoning Mix, Chinese Barbecue Char Siu Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 333kcal 8.3Protein 0Fat 75Carbs Imaginings 3 Flix, Disney Frozen, Gummy Bands Candy, Grape Strawberry Blue Raspberry, Grape Strawberry Blue Raspberry Candy 333kcal 6.7Protein 0Fat 73.3Carbs Koppers Chocolate Specialty Co Easter Spring Marshmallow Eggs, Milk Chocolate Candy High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 475kcal 2.5Protein 22.5Fat 70Carbs Allied Superstar, Inc. Chick-O-Stick, Candy Candy 444kcal 5.6Protein 11.1Fat 77.8Carbs Imaginings 3 Flix Candy, Disney Frozen Gummy Bands Candy, Grape, Strawberry, Blue Raspberry, Grape, Strawberry, Blue Raspberry Candy 333kcal 6.7Protein 0Fat 73.3Carbs
Sugar (100 products) Red 40 (89 products) Yellow 5 (86 products) Blue 1 (78 products) Water (72 products) Yellow 6 (62 products) Corn Starch (59 products) Corn Syrup (45 products) Salt (44 products) Xanthan Gum (43 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.