Erythrosine

What it is

Erythrosine (E127), also known in the US as FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic cherry-pink food dye. Uniquely among food dyes, its chemical structure contains four atoms of iodine.

How it is used in food

Gives the distinctive cherry-pink colour of cocktail cherries, which few other dyes match.

• Cocktail cherries (glacé cherries)
• Cake decorating gels and sprinkles

Health and safety

Contains four iodine atoms and interferes with thyroid function; high doses caused thyroid tumours in rats, the finding behind the FDA's 1990 cosmetics ban and its 2025 revocation of the food listing.

E127 is highly problematic because of its iodine content. High doses have been shown to disrupt thyroid function and cause thyroid tumours in rats.

EFSA set an ADI of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day in 2011. The FDA revoked the US food listing on 15 January 2025, with reformulation required by January 2027. In the EU it is restricted to cocktail and candied bigarreaux cherries.

Regulatory status

Identification on labels

E-number

E127

Colour index

45430

Also printed asFD&C Red No. 3 · Red 3

Alternatives to this additive

• E120: Cochineal (carmine) — Often used instead for red/pink hues, though it is not vegan.

How it is made

Synthesized by the iodination of fluorescein (a synthetic dye base).

1. Synthesis — Fluorescein is reacted with iodine.

Worth knowing

Uniquely among food dyes it is made by iodinating fluorescein - the iodine is what makes it both effective and a thyroid problem.

Conclusion

The FDA banned E127 from cosmetics and externally applied drugs in 1990 on the strength of the rat thyroid tumour data, but left it legal in food for another 35 years. That ended on 15 January 2025, when the FDA revoked the food listing outright; US products must be reformulated by January 2027. California had already legislated its own ban (2023, effective 2027). In the EU its use is restricted by law to cocktail cherries and candied bigarreaux cherries.

References

• EFSA re-evaluation of Erythrosine (E 127) — EFSA
• FDA revokes authorisation for FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs — FDA