The European Labeling for Red Dye #3
In the European Union, the food colorant known in the United States as Red Dye #3 (or FD&C Red No. 3) is officially named erythrosine. On product packaging, it is identified by its assigned E-number, E127. All food additives approved for use in the EU receive a three-digit E-number, a standardized code used to simplify ingredient lists and ensure transparency for consumers. Seeing the code E127 on a product is a clear indicator that erythrosine is present.
A History of Strict Regulation in the EU
The European approach to erythrosine has been cautious for decades. Starting in 1994, the European Union significantly restricted the use of E127, permitting its inclusion only in very limited and specific food items. This decision was influenced by concerns surrounding potential health risks, including a suggested link to thyroid problems and hyperactivity in children. Unlike the broad applications seen historically in the US, Europe's restrictions confined the dye to certain niche products, particularly those where tradition dictated its use.
Products Where E127 is Permitted
- Cocktail and Candied Cherries: Erythrosine's most prominent and, for the most part, only permitted food application in Europe is in the coloring of maraschino, cocktail, and candied cherries.
- Other Limited Uses: Additional, highly restricted uses include certain decorative items and pet foods.
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: While restricted for food, erythrosine may still be found in certain medications and cosmetics in Europe under specific regulations.
The UK's Continued Approach
Following Brexit, the United Kingdom adopted its own set of food safety regulations but has largely maintained a similar stance to the EU regarding erythrosine. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) permits E127 under similar strict conditions for specific preserved cherries and related products. It also mandates warning labels on products containing certain additives, including E127, indicating potential effects on children's attention and activity.
Comparison: EU vs. US Regulatory Approaches
For decades, the regulatory frameworks for erythrosine in Europe and the United States were starkly different, although recent changes in the US have narrowed this gap.
| Feature | European Union (EU) | United States (US) (Prior to Jan. 2025 FDA Ban) |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | E127, Erythrosine | FD&C Red No. 3, Red 3, Erythrosine |
| Food Use | Heavily restricted since 1994, limited mainly to specific cherries | Was broadly permitted in many foods, including candy, baked goods, and frostings |
| Cosmetics | Banned in all cosmetics | Banned since 1990 due to cancer link in rats |
| Pharmaceuticals | Permitted in specific formulations | Ban on ingested drugs took effect in Jan. 2025 |
| Driving Factors | Precautionary principle, concern over hyperactivity and thyroid | FDA's Delaney Clause obligation after animal studies |
Natural Alternatives to Erythrosine
As consumer preference and regulatory scrutiny have shifted away from synthetic dyes, manufacturers in Europe and now the US have increasingly turned to natural alternatives to achieve a red color. These plant-based colorants offer a way to maintain product aesthetics without the use of artificial additives. Common substitutes include:
- Beetroot Extract: Provides a deep red hue and is used in products like popsicles and ice cream.
- Red Cabbage Extract: A versatile option that can produce various shades of red and purple.
- Carmine: A red pigment derived from cochineal insects, though not suitable for vegan products.
- Purple Sweet Potato: Offers rich red and purple tones suitable for many applications.
Reading European Product Labels
For European consumers concerned about E127, reading the product label's ingredient list is the most effective way to identify its presence. The standardized E-number system makes identification straightforward. If you see 'E127' listed, you know the product contains erythrosine. Additionally, some products, especially in the UK, may carry a warning label regarding hyperactivity, making it even easier to spot.
Conclusion
In Europe, Red Dye #3 is known as Erythrosine and is labeled as the food additive E127 on ingredient lists. While its use is not universally banned, it has been heavily restricted since 1994, with authorization limited almost exclusively to candied and cocktail cherries. This highly restrictive approach contrasts with the broader use once seen in the US, which itself has recently moved to ban the dye from food and ingested drugs. The European Union's long-standing precautionary measures reflect a persistent concern over the potential health impacts of artificial food dyes, driving many manufacturers towards natural, plant-based alternatives. For consumers across Europe, checking for the E127 label is a simple way to stay informed about their food choices.
Optional Outbound Link: For more detailed information on EU food additive regulations, see the official European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publications on food colorants.
What is erythrosine called in Europe?
The official EU designation: In Europe, the colorant is named Erythrosine and is identified as the food additive E127.
What is the history of EU restrictions on E127?
Limited use since 1994: The EU severely restricted erythrosine's use in food in 1994 due to potential health concerns, primarily allowing it only for cocktail and candied cherries.
Why is E127 restricted in Europe?
Health concerns: The restrictions were put in place based on research linking the dye to health issues like thyroid problems and potential behavioral effects, such as hyperactivity, in children.
Is E127 still used in any food products in Europe?
Yes, but sparingly: E127 is still permitted for very specific applications, most notably in cocktail cherries, candied cherries, and certain decorative items.
How do I identify E127 on a product label?
Look for the E-number: Under EU regulations, if erythrosine is an ingredient, it will be listed as 'E127' or 'erythrosine' in the ingredient list.
What are some natural alternatives to E127?
Plant-based options: Manufacturers often use natural alternatives like beet juice, red cabbage extract, or carmine to achieve a red color.
Do EU regulations apply to the UK after Brexit?
Similar rules apply: The UK has largely maintained regulations similar to the pre-Brexit EU standards for E127 and mandates similar warning labels for products containing it.
Are there differences between the EU and US regulations regarding Red Dye #3?
Historically, yes: The EU's restrictions on E127 have been in place for decades, while the US FDA only moved to ban Red Dye #3 from food and ingested drugs in January 2025, taking effect years later.
