In January 2024, the FDA formally revoked its approval of Red 3 — also listed as FD&C Red No. 3 or Erythrosine (E127) — from use in food. Manufacturers have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate. That means for the next two years, you can still find it in thousands of products on U.S. store shelves.
Why now? The science isn't new. A 1990 animal study found that male rats developed thyroid tumors at high doses of Red 3. The FDA had enough data to act under the Delaney Clause — a 1958 law that prohibits food additives shown to cause cancer in animals or humans at any dose. The agency declined to act for 35 years. It finally did so only after facing a legal petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and a coalition of public health organizations.
Where is it? Red 3 is a cherry-red synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It's most commonly found in maraschino cherries, some candy and fruit snacks, certain canned fruits, glacé cherries, and some dietary supplements with a red coating. Look for "Red 3," "Red No. 3," "FD&C Red 3," or "E127" in the ingredient list. VitalizeHQ scans flag it automatically as a high-risk additive.
What does the research actually say? The tumor finding was specific to male rats exposed to doses far higher than typical human consumption. The mechanism — excessive thyroid hormone suppression — may not directly translate to humans, and no human epidemiological study has confirmed a cancer link. However, the Delaney Clause applies a strict standard: if a substance causes cancer in animals under any conditions, it cannot be approved. The FDA has also noted that Red 3 has no nutritional value and exists purely for aesthetic purposes, making the risk-benefit calculation clear.
What about other red dyes? Red 40 (Allura Red) remains approved and is far more widely used than Red 3. Red 40 is not under the Delaney Clause but has been linked to hyperactivity in children in the Southampton study — the EU requires a warning label on foods containing it. The FDA is currently reviewing its behavioral effects. Red 3's phase-out does not change the status of Red 40, Red 33, or any other synthetic dye.
What should you do? Until the January 2027 deadline passes, check labels before buying candy, maraschino cherries, some breakfast cereals, and fruit-flavored snacks. The 2027 reformulation deadline applies to foods — Red 3 is also being phased out from ingested drugs (e.g., some medications use it as a coating colorant), with a separate extended deadline. If you're using VitalizeHQ, products containing Red 3 will show a high-risk ingredient flag with an explanation.