Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine)
Low burden — Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine) is a relatively low-burden choice.
A bright cherry-red synthetic colour in sweets and drinks.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: emerging · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 71 places red dye no. 3 (erythrosine) in the Low band. The US regulator revoked its authorisation in January 2025 — as a point of law, not of demonstrated human harm. The Delaney Clause forbids any additive that causes cancer in animals, and the agency stated plainly that the rat mechanism involved does not occur in people. A low priority next to real exposures.
Frequently asked questions
Is red dye no. 3 (erythrosine) a toxic exposure?
Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine) has a Detox Score of 71 out of 100 (Low burden), which means it is a relatively low-burden choice. The US regulator revoked its authorisation in January 2025 — as a point of law, not of demonstrated human harm. The Delaney Clause forbids any additive that causes cancer in animals, and the agency stated plainly that the rat mechanism involved does not occur in people. A low priority next to real exposures.
What is a safer alternative to red dye no. 3 (erythrosine)?
A lower-exposure swap for red dye no. 3 (erythrosine) is: Colour from beetroot, paprika extract or carmine. The US regulator revoked its authorisation in January 2025 — as a point of law, not of demonstrated human harm. The Delaney Clause forbids any additive that causes cancer in animals, and the agency stated plainly that the rat mechanism involved does not occur in people. A low priority next to real exposures.