Ingredient Information

Function

Red 3 is one of two red food colorings approved by the FDA Food colorings are used to complement the natural color of foods; create fun foods, such as children’s foods; or to offset color loss that results from exposure to light, air, temperature, or moisture. Red 3 can be found most commonly in chewing gum, popsicles, cake icing, fruit snacks and other highly processed foods. Red 3 used to be the food coloring used in maraschino cherries, but was replaced with the far less controversial Red 40. Red 3 is approved for widespread use in general foods; its reduced usage is due to public pressure, not governmental law.

Other Use and Industries

Red 3 is approved for use in food and ingested drugs but has been banned from use in cosmetics and topical drugs.

Red 3 is also used as a printing ink and a stain for cell cultures and in dental facilities, the latter in which it highlights plaque.

Health Effects

Since 1983 Red 3 has been linked with causing thyroid tumors in rats. Many media sources list Red 3 as one of the top food additives to avoid. Other rat studies have shown that high levels of Red 3 may cause DNA damage, sperm abnormalities and changes in behavior. Studies on human mammary cells suggest that Red 3 may also promote the formation of breast cancer.

There has been public debate surrounding food dyes since the 1970s. There has always been a theoretical link between food coloring and the rise of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The link has not been proven, however, many parents who have eliminated foods with artificial colors claim the results have been positive. Many of the foods that contain food coloring are "junk foods," foods that have calories yet little to no vitamins or minerals. Eliminating these foods would very likely have the positive effect of also increasing a child's intake of vitamins and minerals.

Some individuals may exhibit an allergic reaction to this additive. Though all individuals should avoid Red 3, pregnant women in particular should take care to eliminate it from their diet.

Origins

Erythrosin is artificially created from a chemical called fluorone.