In January 2025 the FDA revoked the authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 (erythrosine) as a color additive in food and ingested drugs. If you decorate for a living, this is worth understanding properly rather than through headlines.
What actually happened
The decision was made under the Delaney Clause: a provision of US food law stating that the FDA cannot authorize a color additive found to induce cancer in humans or animals, regardless of dose.
Studies found that Red No. 3 caused cancer in male laboratory rats exposed to high levels. Importantly, the FDA has stated that the mechanism by which this occurs in rats does not occur in humans, and that exposure levels in people are typically far lower than those used in the studies.
In other words, this was a legally mandated action triggered by a specific statutory rule, not a finding that the additive was harming people at normal consumption levels. That nuance is missing from most coverage.
The compliance timeline
- Food manufacturers: reformulate by January 15, 2027
- Ingested drugs: by January 18, 2028
Products made before the deadline may generally continue moving through distribution, so you may see existing stock for some time.
What this means for a working baker
Practically, less than you might think, but there are sensible steps.
- Read your ingredient statements. Look for "FD&C Red No. 3", "Red 3" or "erythrosine".
- Check your whole supply chain, not just colors. Red 3 appears in some sprinkles, candies, maraschino cherries and pre-made decorations.
- Ask suppliers directly for current formulation details rather than assuming.
- Do not panic-discard stock. There is a transition period, and this was not a recall.
What Red 3 is not
Red 3 is not the same as Red 40 (Allura Red), which remains authorized in the US. They are different additives. A lot of confusion online conflates the two.
Where oil-based colors sit
Color additives are regulated by the specific additive used, not by whether a product is oil-based or water-based. So "oil-based" tells you nothing about whether a product contains a particular dye. You have to read the ingredient statement, every time, for any product.
The practical takeaway
Know what is in the products you use, keep an eye on the reformulation deadline, and buy from suppliers who can tell you what is in the bottle.
This article is general information for bakers, not legal or regulatory advice, and it is not health advice. Food additive rules change and vary by state and country. Always check the current FDA guidance and your state regulations, and confirm the ingredient statement on any product you use.
Questions About What You Are Using?
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