E127

E127 is the food additive code for Erythrosine, a synthetic red dye that is a tetraiodofluorescein derivative and used to provide bright pink to cherry-red coloration in foods and beverages in markets where E127 is permitted.
E127 is valued for very high color strength and distinctive bluish-red tone, but E127 use is often restricted to specific food categories and maximum levels, so E127 application must follow the rules of the target market.
E127 contains iodine, and this is relevant for regulatory specifications and labeling considerations in some contexts, so E127 use is typically managed carefully in product development.

CAS Number: 16423-68-0
EC Number: 240-474-8
Molecular Formula: C20H6I4Na2O5
Molecular Weight: 879.86 g/mol

Synonyms: E127, Erythrosine, Erythrosine B, CI 45430, Acid Red 51, FD&C Red No. 3 (common designation), Tetraiodofluorescein Disodium Salt, Erythrosine Dye, Food Color E127, Cherry-Pink Colorant, Red Color Erythrosine, Iodinated Xanthene Dye, E127, E 127, E-127, INS 127, INS-127, E127 (Food Additive), E127 (Food Colour), E127 (Food Color), E127 (Red Colour), E127 (Red Color), Erythrosine, ERYTHROSINE, Erythrosine (E127), Erythrosine (E 127), Erythrosine (INS 127), Erythrosine B, Erythrosine B (E127), Erythrosin (spelling variant), Erythrosine Dye, Erythrosine Red, Erythrosine Colour, Erythrosine Color, Erythrosine Colourant, Erythrosine Colorant, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red 3, FD&C Red No.3, FD&C Red #3, Red No. 3, Red No 3, Red 3, C.I. Acid Red 51, CI Acid Red 51, Acid Red 51, C.I. 45430, CI 45430, Colour Index 45430, Color Index 45430, Food Red 14 (common index name), Erythrosine Lake (use context), Erythrosine Aluminium Lake (use context), Erythrosine Aluminum Lake (use context), E127 Lake (use context), Tetraiodofluorescein, Tetraiodofluorescein disodium salt, Disodium tetraiodofluorescein, Disodium 2′,4′,5′,7′-tetraiodofluorescein, Disodium salt of erythrosine (descriptive), Erythrosine disodium salt (descriptive), 2′,4′,5′,7′-Tetraiodofluorescein disodium salt

APPLICATIONS

E127 is used in confectionery to produce bright cherry-red and pink shades in candies where permitted.
E127 is incorporated into sugar-coated sweets to deliver high-intensity red color with low dosage.
E127 is used in decorative sprinkles and dessert decorations to achieve vivid pink-red appearance.

E127 is used in candied fruits and cocktail cherries to provide the characteristic bright red color in approved markets.
E127 is incorporated into fruit decorations and maraschino-style products where regulations allow its use.
E127 is used in cherry-flavored syrups in markets where E127 is permitted and dosage is controlled.

E127 is used in bakery decorations such as icing gels to provide strong red coloration in small additions.
E127 is incorporated into cake decorations to achieve consistent cherry-red tones for themed products.
E127 is used in dessert mixes where a stable bright red shade is required and permitted.

E127 is used in flavored gelatin desserts in markets where E127 is allowed to provide red coloration.
E127 is incorporated into jelly products to deliver distinctive bluish-red tones in compatible formulations.
E127 is used in confectionery fillings where intense color is desired at low treat rate.

E127 is used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products as a colorant for tablets, capsules, and syrups where approved.
E127 is incorporated into coated tablets for identification and branding in regulated dosage forms.
E127 is used in lozenges and chewables to provide stable red color in approved markets.

E127 is used in oral care products in some contexts where Erythrosine is used as a plaque-disclosing dye rather than a food colorant.
E127 is incorporated into disclosing tablets and solutions for dental hygiene demonstrations.
E127 is used in dental research to visualize plaque distribution and improve cleaning instruction.

E127 is used in laboratory and educational settings as a dye for color demonstrations and fluorescence-related experiments.
E127 is incorporated into analytical method development where intense red color supports detection.
E127 is valued because E127 provides extremely strong, vivid red coloration, but E127 selection depends heavily on regulatory acceptance and category restrictions.

E127 is used as a red colorant in confectionery products where permitted.
E127 provides bright cherry-red to pink shades in hard candies and boiled sweets.
E127 helps standardize color intensity across batches in candy manufacturing.

E127 is used in gummy candies and jelly sweets to create vivid red tones where permitted.
E127 supports consistent color distribution in gel-based confectionery.
E127 helps maintain appealing appearance in packaged gummy products.

E127 is used in sugar coatings for dragees and panned confectionery where permitted.
E127 helps create uniform red shells on coated chocolates and candies.
E127 supports stable color in polished sugar shells during storage.

E127 is used in cake decorations and bakery icings where permitted.
E127 provides strong red coloration in frosting, glaze, and decorative gels.
E127 helps achieve consistent red shades in bakery finishing systems.

E127 is used in dessert toppings and ready-to-use decorating gels where permitted.
E127 helps produce bright red lines, patterns, and writing gels.
E127 supports stable visual contrast in multi-color decoration products.

E127 is used in flavored syrups and dessert sauces where permitted.
E127 helps provide red color in strawberry and cherry-style syrups.
E127 supports uniform appearance in pourable dessert toppings.

E127 is used in beverage bases and drink concentrates where permitted.
E127 helps create red coloration in fruit-flavored beverage syrups.
E127 supports brand-consistent shade in concentrated beverage formulations.

E127 is used in certain carbonated and non-carbonated flavored drinks where permitted.
E127 provides bright red color in low-viscosity beverage systems.
E127 helps maintain consistent product identity on shelf.

E127 is used in dairy and dairy-like desserts where permitted.
E127 helps color flavored yogurts, puddings, and custard-style products.
E127 supports uniform red tone in spoonable dessert matrices.

E127 is used in ice cream inclusions and frozen dessert swirls where permitted.
E127 helps create red ripples, sauces, and fruit-style variegates.
E127 supports stable color in frozen storage conditions when properly formulated.

E127 is used in processed fruit preparations and pie fillings where permitted.
E127 helps enhance red appearance of strawberry and cherry-style fillings.
E127 supports consistent color in heat-processed fruit systems.

E127 is used in chewing gum coatings and gum centers where permitted.
E127 helps deliver bright red or pink gum appearance in retail products.
E127 supports stable shade during long shelf life in packaged gum.

E127 is used in pharmaceutical products as a colorant for tablets and capsules where permitted.
E127 helps improve product identification and differentiation by color coding.
E127 supports consistent appearance of coated solid dosage forms.

DESCRIPTION

E127 is a synthetic xanthene dye supplied as a red powder that dissolves in water to produce bright pink to cherry-red solutions.
E127 is typically provided as a disodium salt, and this ionic form supports good water solubility for many applications.
E127 contains iodine in its molecular structure, and this contributes to its distinctive shade and very high color strength.

E127 is often restricted to specific food categories and maximum levels, so compliance verification is essential before commercial use.
E127 can show good stability in many systems, but E127 performance depends on pH, light exposure, and interactions with other ingredients.
E127 is also known for use in dental plaque-disclosing products, and this usage is distinct from food additive applications.

E127 should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
E127 powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
E127 should be used according to applicable regulations, permitted use levels, and purity specifications for the target market.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C20H6I4Na2O5
Molecular Weight: 879.86 g/mol
Common Name: E127 (Erythrosine)
Chemical Type: Iodinated xanthene dye (water-soluble colorant)
Appearance: Red powder or granules
Odor: Practically odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol (grade dependent)
Color Shade: Bright pink to cherry-red; often bluish-red tone
Color Strength: Very high; effective at low dosage
Light Sensitivity: Can fade under strong light; packaging and antioxidants can help (system dependent)
pH Sensitivity: Shade and stability depend on pH and matrix composition
Iodine Content: Intrinsic to molecule; relevant for specifications and regulatory considerations
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 36–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
E127 may stain skin temporarily, so thorough washing is recommended.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Prevent staining by using protective clothing and good housekeeping during handling.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture.
Protect from contamination to maintain product purity and consistent color strength.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues promptly to prevent staining of floors, tools, and equipment.

Handling Precautions:
Verify that E127 is permitted for the intended food category and market before commercial use and follow maximum use levels.
Use light-protective packaging when long shelf life and color retention are critical.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color performance and specification compliance.