What is the red 3 in maraschino cherries?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

In a historic move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially banned the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in January 2025, over 35 years after it was first linked to cancer in lab rats. While known for coloring candies and other sweets, this synthetic dye is a key ingredient responsible for the unnaturally bright, iconic crimson hue of maraschino cherries.

Quick Summary

This article explains that Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a petroleum-derived synthetic dye used for decades to color maraschino cherries, but the FDA banned its food use in 2025 due to cancer concerns. It details the history of its regulation, its health risks, and the natural alternatives now replacing it.

Key Points

Source of Red 3: The red 3 in maraschino cherries, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum.
FDA Ban: In January 2025, the FDA officially banned Red 3 for use in food and ingested drugs due to its link to cancer in animal studies.
Reason for Ban: The ban was mandated by the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals.
Alternative Colorants: Manufacturers are now using alternatives like beet juice, black carrot extract, and Red 40 to color maraschino cherries.
Health Concerns: Besides cancer risks identified in animal studies, synthetic dyes like Red 3 have been associated with neurobehavioral issues, particularly hyperactivity in children.
Processing: The red color is added to cherries after they have been bleached and stripped of their natural pigment and flavor.
Consumer Impact: The FDA ban means consumers will see reformulated maraschino cherries, and checking ingredient labels is the best way to determine the new colorant used.

The Chemical Identity of Red 3

FD&C Red No. 3, also called erythrosine and labeled as E127 in Europe, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. It was primarily used to impart a vibrant red color to processed foods like maraschino cherries. The distinct color of maraschino cherries is not natural; it is the result of processing light-colored sweet cherries, such as Royal Ann or Rainier varieties. These cherries are first bleached in a brine solution to remove their natural color and flavor before being artificially dyed and sweetened.

The Path to the FDA Ban

Red 3 has a long and complex regulatory history in the United States, with a significant delay in federal action. Key events include:

1980s: Animal studies first link Red 3 to thyroid cancer in male lab rats.
1990: Citing the Delaney Clause, which mandates banning additives found to cause cancer, the FDA prohibits Red 3 in cosmetics but not food, stating the cancer mechanism was not relevant to humans.
2022: A coalition of food safety advocates petitions the FDA to ban Red 3 in all food products.
2023: California bans Red 3 in food, increasing national attention.
January 2025: The FDA bans Red 3 in food and ingested drugs, citing the Delaney Clause and the 2022 petition.

Manufacturers have deadlines to reformulate: food by January 2027 and ingested drugs by January 2028. This ban resolves a long-standing issue where the dye was prohibited in cosmetics but allowed in food.

Health Concerns and Risks Associated with Red 3

Beyond animal studies showing a link to thyroid cancer, concerns about synthetic dyes like Red 3 have been ongoing. While the FDA has stated the cancer mechanism in rats doesn't apply to humans, public health questions remain regarding decades of exposure. The strongest evidence against synthetic dyes, including Red 3 and Red 40, relates to behavioral effects, particularly in children. Research suggests removing artificial colorings can reduce hyperactivity symptoms in some children. Some animal testing also links Red 3 to potential thyroid and neurodegenerative issues.

Alternatives to Red 3 in Modern Maraschino Cherries

Following the 2025 ban, manufacturers are transitioning to new synthetic dyes and natural colorants. Red 40 is a common synthetic alternative permitted by the FDA, though some brands are opting for entirely natural options. Consumer demand for cleaner labels is driving a shift towards plant-based colorings.

Comparison: Synthetic vs. Natural Red Colorants


Feature	Synthetic Colorants (e.g., Red 40)	Natural Colorants (e.g., Beet Juice)
Source	Petroleum-based chemicals	Plant-based sources like vegetables and fruits
Color Consistency	Highly consistent and vibrant	Can vary based on source, processing, and pH levels
Cost	Generally more cost-effective for mass production	Often more expensive due to complex extraction
Stability	More stable against heat, light, and pH changes	Less stable; can fade or degrade over time
Regulatory Status	Approved by FDA (e.g., Red 40), but under scrutiny	Generally considered safer and fewer regulatory restrictions

The Future of Maraschino Cherries

Consumers will notice changes in products like maraschino cherries as manufacturers comply with the ban. Some brands already label their products as “naturally colored,” resulting in a softer texture and deeper red hue. Natural alternatives like beetroot extract, black carrot, and carmine are becoming more common. This shift aligns with new regulations and a growing preference for natural ingredients. Reading ingredient labels is now crucial for consumers to identify the colorants used.

Conclusion

The characteristic red color of maraschino cherries historically came from Red 3, a synthetic petroleum-based dye. Due to evidence linking it to cancer in animal studies and concerns about behavioral effects in children, the FDA banned Red 3 in food in January 2025 after decades of regulatory debate. This ban necessitates manufacturers to adopt alternative colorings, including other synthetic dyes like Red 40 or, increasingly, natural pigments from plants and insects. The future of maraschino cherries involves moving away from the artificial red towards safer, naturally sourced colors that meet current safety standards and consumer expectations.

The complete article on what is the red 3 in maraschino cherries can be found at this authoritative source: Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red 3 for use in all food products, including maraschino cherries, in January 2025. Manufacturers have until 2027 to reformulate their products.

The FDA banned Red 3 due to a provision called the Delaney Clause, which requires the agency to prohibit any color additive that causes cancer in lab animals. Animal studies in the 1980s linked high doses of Red 3 to thyroid cancer in male rats.

Manufacturers are using natural alternatives like beet juice, black carrot extract, and carmine, as well as other synthetic dyes like Red 40, to achieve the red color.

Yes, cherries colored with natural pigments like beet juice often have a darker red hue and a softer texture compared to the vibrant, artificially colored versions.

While the FDA states that the cancer risk identified in animal studies is not relevant to humans, concerns have been raised about potential behavioral issues in children, and the FDA still had to ban it under the Delaney Clause.

You can check the ingredient label for "FD&C Red No. 3" or "Erythrosine." Manufacturers are required to list this ingredient.

Modern maraschino cherries have been artificially colored for decades, but the original delicacy from Croatia was made using sour Marasca cherries preserved in maraschino liqueur.