Color

Red 3 (Erythrosine)

Synthetic color additive.

Higher concern · Moderate evidence

FDA has revoked its use in food; manufacturers must remove it by January 2027.

Avoid or limit in the stated context.

Reviewed Oct 2, 2026

Evidence and sources

In January 2025 FDA revoked authorization for Red No. 3 in foods, giving manufacturers until January 2027 to reformulate. The decision follows the Delaney Clause, which bars additives shown to cause cancer in animals; studies found cancer in male rats at high exposure.

The decision rests on high-dose studies in male rats. FDA has said the way it caused cancer in rats is not known to occur in people, and typical human exposure is much lower.

Moderate evidence · Presence only; amount unknown · General population

FD&C Red No. 3, U.S. Food and Drug Administration