What E127 actually is
Erythrosine is the pink in cocktail cherries and some tinned fruit, a shade that is difficult to reproduce with other permitted reds. Its use had already narrowed considerably before the revocation, largely to glacé cherries and a few confectionery applications.
What it is made from
Synthesised from petrochemical feedstock, and it contains iodine, which is unusual among food dyes.
Vegan, vegetarian, and halal status
Erythrosine is entirely synthetic with no animal-derived input, so it suits vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher diets. The dietary question is not the reason to pay attention to this one.
Is E127 safe?
This is the most significant recent regulatory change in food colours. In January 2025 the FDA revoked the authorisation of FD&C Red No. 3 for use in food, acting under the Delaney Clause, a provision requiring the agency to withdraw approval of any additive shown to cause cancer in animals. High doses caused thyroid tumours in male rats through a hormonal mechanism the FDA has said does not apply to humans at realistic exposures. The Delaney Clause does not permit that distinction, so the revocation followed regardless. Food manufacturers were given until January 2027 to reformulate, and drugs until January 2028. The EU permits it under tight restrictions, essentially limited to cherries.
- FDA revoked its food authorisation in January 2025 under the Delaney Clause, with a January 2027 compliance deadline
- Rodent thyroid tumours came from a hormonal mechanism the FDA has said does not apply to humans at realistic exposure
- Permitted in the EU only under tight restrictions, essentially cocktail and glacé cherries
- Contains iodine, unusually among food dyes
Where regulators stand
- FDA (US)
- Authorisation for food use revoked in January 2025 under the Delaney Clause. Food reformulation deadline January 2027; drugs January 2028.
- EFSA (EU)
- Permitted under restriction, essentially limited to cocktail and candied cherries, with a low acceptable daily intake.
Foods it turns up in
- Cocktail and glacé cherries
- Some tinned fruit
- Confectionery and cake decoration in markets where still permitted
- Some medicines, pending the 2028 deadline
Names it hides behind
- E127
- Erythrosine
- Red 3
- FD&C Red No. 3
- Colour (E127)
Common questions
- Is Red 3 banned?
- The FDA revoked its authorisation for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers given until January 2027 to reformulate. The EU permits it only under tight restriction, essentially for cherries.
- Why was Red 3 revoked if the FDA said the mechanism does not apply to humans?
- The Delaney Clause requires the FDA to withdraw approval of any additive shown to cause cancer in animals, regardless of whether the mechanism is judged relevant to people. It leaves no room for that distinction.
- Is Red 3 the same as Red 40?
- No. Red 3 is erythrosine (E127) and is the one revoked. Red 40 is Allura Red (E129) and remains permitted, though it carries the EU children's warning.
- Is erythrosine vegan and halal?
- Yes. It is entirely synthetic with no animal-derived input.
- What will replace it in cherries?
- Most likely carmine (E120), which is insect-derived, or plant colours such as anthocyanins (E163) and beetroot red (E162), which are less stable in that application.
Checking a real pack
This page answers the code. The pack in your hand is what decides, because the same code can come from different sources depending on the manufacturer. LabelWise, formerly SafeChoice, scans the label and explains what is in front of you.
LabelWise content is educational and describes how additives are made, regulated, and labelled. It is not medical, dietary, or religious advice. For certification questions, the mark on the pack and the certifying body are the authority.