Is Red 3 safe during pregnancy?
FDA has revoked Red 3 for food (deadline Jan 15, 2027). FDA says there's no evidence it causes cancer in people; choosing Red 3-free is easy.
What the sources say
FDA ordered (January 2025) that FD&C Red No. 3 may no longer be used in food; manufacturers have until January 15, 2027 to reformulate (ingested drugs until January 18, 2028), and products made before then may still be on shelves. The action was required by the Delaney Clause because high doses caused cancer in male rats through a rat-specific hormonal mechanism; FDA states there is no evidence it causes cancer in humans. FDA has urged companies to remove it sooner. No pregnancy-specific guidance exists; checking labels and choosing Red 3-free foods is a simple precaution.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
fd&c red no. 3, fd&c red 3, red no. 3, red dye 3, erythrosine, erythrosin b, erythrosine b, e127
Sources
- FDA: FD&C Red No. 3
- FDA: Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum-Based Food Dyes
- FDA: HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation's Food Supply
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.