Red 3 (erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3) has been used in the food industry to color products such as candies, gelatins, maraschino cherries and beverages. On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was revoking its authorization in food and ingested drugs.
Why is Red 3 being removed?
Since 1990, the FDA had not allowed Red 3 in cosmetics and externally applied drugs, after studies in male rats found thyroid tumors at high exposure levels. Its use in food and ingested drugs remained permitted until a petition, supported by organizations such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), requested its removal. The FDA based its decision on the Delaney Clause, which does not allow color additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
Deadlines for the removal of Red 3
- January 15, 2027: deadline for food manufacturers to reformulate their products without Red 3.
- January 18, 2028: deadline for ingested drugs.
The measure affects confectionery, bakery, beverage and supplement products in particular.
Natural alternatives for red color in food
With this change, many manufacturers are turning to natural colorants that deliver red tones with a clean label. At FARBE NATURALS we offer natural solutions for reformulation:
- Betanin (beetroot extract): a natural colorant that provides red hues for confectionery, bakery and beverages, with suitable stability for each application.
- Anthocyanins: natural pigments from fruits and vegetables such as grapes and black carrots, providing shades from red to purple depending on the product's pH.
- Carmine: a natural red to purple colorant obtained from cochineal.
With FARBE NATURALS, the transition to natural color is already underway. See our natural colorants.
To discuss your formulation, please contact the FARBE NATURALS team through our contact form.
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