The Food and Drug Administration has revoked authorisation for the use of erythrosine (Red No 3) in foods and ingested drugs.
Erythrosine (INS 127) is a synthetic food colour commonly used in certain candy, cakes, cookies, chewing gum, frozen desserts, and icings, and ingested drugs. It is listed in Codex's Standard on Food Additives. The FDA's order is based on the Delaney Clause, enacted in 1960 as part of the Color Additives Amendment to the FD&C Act, which prohibits FDA authorisation of a food additive or colour additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.
Manufacturers will have until 15 January 2027 to reformulate their food products and remove the colour. The additive remains on the positive list in the EU and countries throughout the world, however all food imports to the US must comply with the new ban.