Understanding Erythrosine (Red No. 3)
Erythrosine, or Red No. 3, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum that has been a common additive in the food industry for decades. It is valued for its ability to produce a bright, cherry-red or vibrant pink color in food and drink. While it once enjoyed widespread use, safety concerns have led to significant regulatory changes around the globe, with recent bans issued by the FDA in the United States. These bans target the use of the dye in food and ingested drugs, following previous restrictions in cosmetics and other products.
Common Food Categories Containing Erythrosine
Historically, erythrosine could be found in a surprisingly large number of processed foods. Consumers are advised to check ingredient labels, often looking for "FD&C Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "erythrosine".
Candies and Confectionery
This category represents one of the most prominent uses for erythrosine, particularly for items with a red or pink color profile. Consumers should look for it in:
- Gummy candies, such as jelly beans
- Bubble gum and mints
- Assorted fruit-flavored candies
- Candy corn and other seasonal holiday candies
- Hard candies and lollipops
Baked Goods and Snacks
Erythrosine was frequently used to color icing, sprinkles, and cake mixes. Items to check for this additive include:
- Frosted cookies
- Icing and cake decorating gels
- Snack cakes and toaster pastries
- Cereals with red components
- Fruit snacks and fruit leather
Dairy and Frozen Desserts
The vibrant red hue of erythrosine was a key ingredient in many dairy and frozen products designed to appeal to consumers, especially children.
- Strawberry milk
- Flavored yogurts and dairy-based desserts
- Ice cream and sherbet, especially strawberry or cherry flavors
- Frozen fruit bars and popsicles
Processed Fruits and Meats
Beyond sweets, erythrosine was also used to color some processed products to enhance their appearance.
- Maraschino cherries
- Fruit cocktails containing red cherries
- Smoked sausages, bacon, and processed meats
- Imitation bacon bits
Erythrosine in Other Products
Erythrosine extends beyond the food sector and can be found in a range of other consumer goods. It was used in certain medications, particularly syrups and chewable tablets, for branding and differentiation. Gummy vitamins are another notable category where Red No. 3 was used. In industrial applications, it serves as a dental plaque disclosing agent and a biological stain.
Comparison: Foods Before and After Erythrosine Bans
| Product Category | Appearance/Ingredients Before Ban | Appearance/Ingredients After Ban (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Maraschino Cherries | Distinctive, uniform, unnatural cherry-red color from Red No. 3. | Color from natural alternatives like fruit and vegetable extracts, or a different dye like Red No. 40. |
| Strawberry Milk | Artificially colored pink with Red No. 3. | Either uncolored or colored using natural sources like beet juice or other approved dyes. |
| Frosted Sugar Cookies | Often featured bright red or pink sprinkles or icing containing the dye. | Icing and decorations will use natural colorings, resulting in potentially different shades or hues. |
| Gummy Candies | Bright, translucent red gummies with Red No. 3. | Reformulated to use natural colorants, which may result in a different appearance or texture. |
| Fruit Cocktails | Often included unnaturally red-colored cherries. | The red cherries will be colored with an alternative additive or ingredient. |
The Shift to Alternative Colorings
The recent regulatory actions, particularly the FDA ban effective in 2027 for foods, will force manufacturers to reformulate products and seek alternative coloring agents. Many companies had already begun this process in response to consumer demand for cleaner labels. Potential alternatives include natural colorings like those derived from beet juice, purple sweet potato, or lycopene, or other synthetic dyes that remain approved, such as Red No. 40. The shift poses challenges for manufacturers, who must balance cost, color stability, and consumer acceptance while ensuring regulatory compliance.
How to Avoid Erythrosine (Red No. 3)
For consumers concerned about erythrosine, the best course of action is to become an avid label reader. The dye, also known as E127 internationally, should be clearly listed in the ingredients if present. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods naturally minimizes exposure to all artificial food additives. For processed items, look for those specifically labeled with "no artificial colors" or those that list natural alternatives like fruit and vegetable juices as colorants. For a more comprehensive look at food additives, consumers can reference databases from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Conclusion
Erythrosine, or Red No. 3, has colored countless processed foods for decades, but growing health concerns have led to its ban in the U.S. and other regions. Historically found in candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, and processed meats, its removal is part of a larger trend toward cleaner food ingredient lists. While consumers may notice changes in the appearance of some products, manufacturers are turning to natural and alternative colorings. For those wishing to avoid erythrosine, reading ingredient labels carefully remains the most effective strategy, alongside prioritizing a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods.
A Note on Erythromycin vs. Erythrosine
It is important not to confuse erythrosine with erythromycin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various infections and is a medication, not a food colorant, though the name is similar.
