Red 3
ColorantsCAS: 16423-68-0
This is what the ingredient is.
Red 3 (Erythrosine) is a synthetic cherry-pink dye used in foods and medications.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
It works as a food colorant. Used in candies, popsicles, and cake decorations.
Here is what food agencies say.
The FDA allows it in food with limits. Europe approves it as additive E127. The suggested daily limit is about 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Here is what research has found.
Contains iodine. High doses caused thyroid tumors in rats. FDA reviewing status.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Banned in cosmetics in US. May affect thyroid function at high doses. Low ADI reflects caution.
Sources
- FDA
- EFSA E127
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.
v1.0Updated 9/12/2026