Additive guide
E127 Erythrosinewhat it means on a food label
Caused thyroid tumours in rats. The US FDA revoked its food authorisation in January 2025. Berry Pure flags additives like this during a scan so you can decide faster at the shelf.
Berry Pure verdict
Best avoided
E127 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E127 or Erythrosine on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
Usually found in
Cocktail and glacé cherries
If these are regular buys in your kitchen, scan a few brands side by side. Additive use can vary a lot between similar products.
Additive family
Colour
Dyes and pigments that change how food looks.
How to spot it on a label
Manufacturers may use the E-number code, the full additive name, or a common alternative name. These are the label terms to check:
- E127
- Erythrosine
- Red 3
The evidence record
EFSA re-evaluated erythrosine in 2011 and kept the ADI at 0.1 mg per kg of body weight per day, notably lower than the other colours here, reflecting effects on the thyroid at higher doses. The US action rests on different grounds: the FDA's January 2025 revocation invoked the Delaney Clause because high doses caused cancer in male rats. The FDA has stated that this occurs through a rat-specific hormonal mechanism that does not apply to humans and that typical human exposures are far below those levels.
Erythrosine gives a cherry-red colour and has been used in some candies, cakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and icings, as well as certain ingested drugs, so children's sweets were a common source. In the EU its use is more restricted, mainly cocktail and candied cherries, and it is not among the Southampton six, so it carries no hyperactivity label. In the US, manufacturers must remove it from food by January 2027 and from ingested drugs by January 2028 following the 2025 revocation.
Acceptable daily intake
0.1 mg per kg of body weight per day (EFSA, 2011; retained from earlier JECFA and SCF evaluations)
Regulatory status
Permitted in the EU under Regulation EC 1333/2008 with restricted uses; it is not one of the Southampton six, so no hyperactivity warning applies. In the US, the FDA revoked authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs on January 15, 2025 under the Delaney Clause, with compliance deadlines of January 15, 2027 for food and January 18, 2028 for ingested drugs.
Related additives
Same family, similar label context, or the same Berry Pure verdict.
Frequently askedquestions
Everything you need to know about scanning your food with Berry Pure.
What is E127 Erythrosine?
E127 is Erythrosine, a colour used in foods such as cocktail and glacé cherries. Caused thyroid tumours in rats. The US FDA revoked its food authorisation in January 2025.
Is E127 bad for you?
E127 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E127 or Erythrosine on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
How do I spot E127 on a label?
Look for these label names: E127, Erythrosine, Red 3. Some products spell out the additive name instead of using the E-number code.
Can Berry Pure flag E127?
Yes. Berry Pure scans ingredient labels with your camera and flags additives like E127 so you do not have to memorize code numbers while shopping.
Sources
The claims on this page are based on these publications.
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