YenzoWhat is E127 (erythrosine)?
It is erythrosine, a synthetic cherry-red colour. EFSA describes it as a xanthene dye, and the JECFA database gives its chemical name with four iodine groups (tetra-iodo).
E127Erythrosine
E127 is erythrosine, a synthetic cherry-red colour, also called FD&C Red No. 3. When EFSA re-evaluated it in 2011, it was authorised in the EU only for cocktail and candied cherries and Bigarreaux cherries.
Did you know? The US FDA calls this substance FD&C Red No. 3 and issued orders on 16 January 2025 and 5 August 2026 to revoke its authorisation in food and ingested drugs. Manufacturers using it in food have until 15 January 2027 to reformulate.
- Code
- E127 · INS 127
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalemoderate?Based on a regulator's decision
The evaluators disagree. FDA (2025) withdrew it from the list of substances permitted in food, while EFSA (2011) keeps an ADI for it.
How much a day stays within the ADI?EFSA 2011: 0.1 mg/kg bw/day
about 0.0 g a daythat is 6 mg
How E127 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (127), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (127)colour 127E127INS 127On Vietnamese labels: Erythrosin
Questions about erythrosine
Is erythrosine harmful?
In 2011 EFSA concluded that the data did not provide a basis to revise the ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight per day. EFSA estimated adult intake at 0.0031 mg/kg body weight per day on average and 0.01 mg/kg at the 95th percentile, both below the ADI. In 2018 JECFA confirmed its ADI of 0–0.1 mg/kg body weight.
“The Panel considered there would be no safety concerns at current levels of exposure including other sources of exposure.”
EFSA Journal (2011). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Erythrosine (E 127) as a food additive
Is E127 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Erythrosine (INS 127) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour.
Other colours
E124Ponceau 4RmoderateE125Ponceau SX (scarlet GN)highE126Ponceau 6RhighE128Red 2GhighE129Allura red ACmoderateE130Indanthrene blue RShigh
See all colours →Found in these products
Xúc xích tỏi GO! (garlic sausage)GO! · sausages and processed meat
Kẹo gum Lotte Xylitol không đường hương trái cây hỗn hợp (sugar-free mixed fruit gum)Lotte · sweets and candyUpdated 21 October 2026
Sources (5)
- Regulator's decision. US FDA, Color Additive Petition From CSPI et al.; Request To Revoke Color Additive Listing for Use of FD&C Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs, 90 FR 4628 (announced 15 January 2025), https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-00830. EFSA Journal: Re-evaluation of Erythrosine (E 127) as a food additive (2011). https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2011.1854
- EFSA Journal (2011). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Erythrosine (E 127) as a food additive
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- FDA: FD&C Red No. 3
- JECFA database: Erythrosine (INS 127)