Red Dye No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, is a synthetic food colorant used in various food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The FDA has banned Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine), a synthetic food coloring linked to cancer in lab animals, hyperactivity in children, and other health concerns.
Previously banned in cosmetics, it remains in many foods, beverages, and medications.
Food manufacturers must remove it by 2027, and pharmaceutical companies by 2028.
Already prohibited in the EU, Australia, and New Zealand, the dye is used for its bright red color but has no nutritional value.
It is identified by the color index number 45430 and is certified for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as FD&C Red No. 3.
Erythrosine is a poly-iodinated xanthene dye, and its chemical structure includes iodine atoms, which contribute to its vibrant red color.
Research has indicated that erythrosine may have estrogenic and DNA-damaging activities in human breast cancer cells.
Additionally, studies have shown that erythrosine can affect reproductive toxicity in male mice, impacting spermatogenesis and sperm morphology.
Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine) is a widely used synthetic food dye with potential health risks that have prompted regulatory scrutiny and scientific investigation.