Red 3

Banned by FDA

Also labeled as: FD&C Red No. 3, Erythrosine, E127

A synthetic red dye historically used in candy, cake decorations, and maraschino cherries.

Regulatory status: Banned. The FDA formally revoked authorization for Red 3 in food in January 2025, a separate and stronger action than the voluntary phase-out request covering the other dyes. Manufacturers have until January 2027 to reformulate or stop selling existing Red 3 products.

9,386

products contain it

Target Stores

top manufacturer by product count

Candy

most common category

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All Candy (3,051)Cookies & Biscuits (1,608)Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings (1,104)Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes (969)Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks (382)Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt (307)Powdered Drinks (58)Chips, Pretzels & Snacks (16)Snack, Energy & Granola Bars (15)Breads & Buns (13)Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks (11)Yogurt (11)

Manufacturers most likely to use Red 3

Manufacturer	Products with Red 3
Target Stores	779
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.	484
Ferrara Candy Company	419
Ross Acquisition Inc.	381
Wilton Industries Inc.	372
Pez Candy, Inc.	154
Kingston Marketing Co	125
Signature Brands LLC	120
The Kroger Co.	116
Meijer, Inc.	104

Red 3

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Manufacturers most likely to use Red 3

Products