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The facts: Red Dye 3 is banned in 3 countries/regions (including European Union (restricted to cocktail cherries only at max 200 mg/kg), Norway, Iceland), though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Red Dye 3 on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Maraschino cherries, Fruit cocktail, Certain popsicles.
TL;DR: Red Dye 3 is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Maraschino cherries, Fruit cocktail, Certain popsicles, Pink-tinted medications and supplements, Cake decorating gels, Candied cherries |
Red Dye 3 (erythrosine) is a synthetic cherry-pink fluorescent dye belonging to the xanthene class. It contains approximately 58% iodine by weight, distinguishing it from azo dyes. Its chemical formula is C20H6I4Na2O5. Approved since 1907, it is one of the oldest certified US food colorants and was notably the first synthetic food dye formally revoked by the FDA in decades.
Red Dye 3 produces a unique bright cherry-pink hue difficult to replicate with natural dyes. Its distinctive fluorescent appearance under certain lighting is prized in maraschino cherries, certain medications and capsules, and some confections. It is stable in sugar-based matrices and highly cost-effective at low concentrations.
The FDA revoked Red Dye 3 authorization in January 2025, marking the first synthetic food dye ban by the FDA since Red Dye 2 in 1976. The revocation was triggered by the Delaney Clause, which mandates revocation of any food additive found to cause cancer in animals regardless of dose. The carcinogenicity data stems from studies showing that high doses of erythrosine caused thyroid follicular cell tumors in male rats. The mechanism is indirect: erythrosine suppresses thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) feedback by elevating thyroxine (T4) levels, causing chronic TSH suppression that promotes thyroid cell proliferation and ultimately tumor formation. This is a rat-specific mechanism related to their thyroxine-binding protein system, which differs from human biology. EFSA's 2011 comprehensive safety assessment concluded erythrosine was unlikely to be genotoxic at typical food use levels and set an ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight — one of the lowest for any food color. EFSA restricted EU use to cocktail cherries only (max 200 mg/kg). The high iodine content (58% by weight) raises concerns for thyroid-sensitive individuals. Excessive erythrosine intake could theoretically contribute to iodine overload and thyroid disruption, particularly in individuals with hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's disease. The FDA had been aware of the rat thyroid tumor data since 1990 but delayed action for 35 years. Advocacy groups including CSPI petitioned for a ban since 1983. The January 2025 revocation finally addressed this long-standing regulatory gap.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Red Dye 3 with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Yes. Red Dye 3 is banned in European Union (restricted to cocktail cherries only at max 200 mg/kg), Norway, Iceland; restricted in United Kingdom (cocktail cherry application only). The FDA still allows it in the US.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Maraschino cherries, Fruit cocktail, Certain popsicles, Pink-tinted medications and supplements, Cake decorating gels, Candied cherries. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Red Dye 3.
Beet juice extract provides natural pink-red tones used in health-oriented brands. Carmine (cochineal, E120) produces stable cherry-red for confections. Anthocyanins from black carrot, elderberry, or raspberry can provide pink-purple hues. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
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