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Erythrosine (E127) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(3/10)Synthetic
3
QUESTIONABLE
Safety Score: 3/10

What Is Erythrosine?

Erythrosine is a cherry-pink synthetic dye belonging to the xanthene class (not an azo dye). It contains four iodine atoms per molecule, which distinguishes it from most other food colorings. Known in the US as FD&C Red No. 3, it has been used primarily in candied cherries, cake decorations, and candy, but the FDA revoked its authorization in January 2025 with a phase-out period ending in 2027.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a bright cherry-red coloring in candied cherries, cake decorations, candy, sausage casings, and certain medications. Its distinctive pink-red hue is difficult to replicate with other approved colorings.

Function: Synthetic cherry-red xanthene dye food coloring
0.15 mg
Typical daily intake
7 mg
Max safe daily (70 kg adult)
2.1%
of ADI (typical diet)

Safety Assessment

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.1 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇪🇺 EU: Authorized
🇺🇸 US: Restricted
🇯🇵 JP: Banned
🇦🇺 AU: Approved
🇨🇦 CA: Approved
🚫
Banned / Restricted In
Norway
⚠️ Key Concerns

Erythrosine contains four iodine atoms per molecule, and high doses have been shown to affect thyroid function in animal studies. EFSA set an extremely low ADI of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day reflecting these concerns. In January 2025, the FDA revoked authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 in food under the Delaney Clause, which prohibits any food additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals. Animal studies showed erythrosine caused thyroid tumors in male rats at very high doses, though the mechanism was considered rat-specific and unlikely to apply to humans. The FDA ban takes effect January 15, 2027 for food and January 18, 2028 for ingested drugs. Erythrosine remains authorized in the EU but at a very low ADI.

Our Assessment

Based on current evidence, Erythrosine is rated Questionable with a score of 3/10. This is 2.8 points below the average for colorings (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2011. A typical diet provides about 2.1% of the acceptable daily intake.

Commonly Found In

Candied cherriesCake decorationsCandySausage casingsMedications
Example brands:
Maraschino cherriesPEZCandy corn brands

Always check the label for E127 or 'Erythrosine'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C20H6I4Na2O5
Molecular Weight: 879.86 g/mol
CAS Number: 16423-68-0
INS Number: 127
Also known as: E127, FD&C Red No. 3, Red No. 3, CI Food Red 14, INS 127

Frequently Asked Questions about Erythrosine

Erythrosine has a Safety Score of 3/10 (Questionable). Erythrosine contains four iodine atoms per molecule, and high doses have been shown to affect thyroid function in animal studies. EFSA set an extremely low ADI of 0.1 mg/kg bw/day reflecting these concerns. In January 2025, the FDA revoked authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 in food under the Delaney Clause, which prohibits any food additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals. Animal studies showed erythrosine caused thyroid tumors in male rats at very high doses, though the mechanism was considered rat-specific and unlikely to apply to humans. The FDA ban takes effect January 15, 2027 for food and January 18, 2028 for ingested drugs. Erythrosine remains authorized in the EU but at a very low ADI.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E127
INS Number
127
Category
Colorings
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
FD&C Red No. 3 — authorization revoked January 2025 (ban effective January 15, 2027 for food; January 18, 2028 for ingested drugs)
EFSA Status
Authorized at extremely low ADI
ADI
0.1 mg/kg bw/day
Last Review
2011
Dietary Compatibility
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

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