FD&C Red No. 3
FD&C Red No. 3 (erythrosine) is a synthetic, water-soluble cherry-pink xanthene dye, principally the disodium salt of tetraiodofluorescein. Every batch must be certified by FDA. FDA has ordered its authorization for food and ingested drugs revoked, with reformulation deadlines in 2027 and 2028, so buyers sourcing it should plan replacement colors rather than new uses. It has been sold as straight dye powder and liquid solutions for candy, frostings and baked goods.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Spray-dried or granular FD&C Red No. 3 with a stated total dye content.
Water or glycol solutions at a stated dye percentage for frostings and confectionery.
Suppliers now offer carmine, beet, anthocyanin and FD&C Red No. 40 based shades formulated to match Red 3 pinks.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store in the original sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from light; powders are hygroscopic and cake in humid rooms, and dust should be controlled because small amounts stain other products. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and certified colors are generally retested for total color and appearance once past the supplier retest date. Keep each container's FDA certification lot number with the stock so it can be traced into finished batches.
Record the FDA certification lot number and total color for any lots still held, and track remaining stock against the FDA reformulation deadline for each product type. Retain shade standards so replacement colors can be matched.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA states it will no longer allow FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs and has issued orders revoking those authorizations.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA states manufacturers using FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs have until January 15, 2027 and January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's April 22, 2025 news release asked food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than those deadlines.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 74.303 requires every batch of FD&C Red No. 3 to be certified by FDA.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · St. Louis, MO
North American food color business of Sensient Technologies, making certified FD&C dyes and lakes alongside natural colors from sources such as beet juice, carmine, annatto, spirulina and butterfly pea flower.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include straight color powder, liquid solution and replacement colors. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect fDA certification lot number, total color (pure dye), volatile matter, chlorides and sulfates, subsidiary colors and intermediates, heavy metals and water-insoluble matter, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store in the original sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from light; powders are hygroscopic and cake in humid rooms, and dust should be controlled because small amounts stain other products. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and certified colors are generally retested for total color and appearance once past the supplier retest date. Keep each container's FDA certification lot number with the stock so it can be traced into finished batches.
FDA states it will no longer allow FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs and has issued orders revoking those authorizations. FDA states manufacturers using FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs have until January 15, 2027 and January 18, 2028, respectively, to reformulate. FDA's April 22, 2025 news release asked food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than those deadlines. 21 CFR 74.303 requires every batch of FD&C Red No. 3 to be certified by FDA.
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