Digestoa
Additive · Colour

Erythrosine (E127)

Erythrosine (E127) is a colour that Digestoa flags as moderate risk. Common concerns include thyroid concerns at high doses.

Digestoa riskModerate risk
TypeColour
Found inbrightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts
ConcernsThyroid concerns at high doses

What is Erythrosine?

Erythrosine (E127) is a colour — added to give food a specific colour.

Is Erythrosine bad for you?

Digestoa flags Erythrosine as moderate risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including thyroid concerns at high doses. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Erythrosine?

Brightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Erythrosine. But it's a useful flag: when you see E127 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Choose products coloured with natural extracts like beetroot (E162), paprika (E160c) or turmeric (E100).

Frequently asked questions

Is E127 the same as Erythrosine?
Yes — E127 is the international additive (E-number) code for Erythrosine.
Is Erythrosine bad for you?
Digestoa flags Erythrosine (E127) as moderate risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as thyroid concerns at high doses.
What are the side effects of Erythrosine?
Reported concerns include: Thyroid concerns at high doses.
What foods contain Erythrosine?
Brightly coloured sweets, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and desserts.
How can I avoid Erythrosine?
Check the ingredients list for "Erythrosine" or "E127", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related colour additives

Titanium dioxide (E171)Tartrazine (E102)Quinoline Yellow (E104)Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)Azorubine / Carmoisine (E122)Ponceau 4R (E124)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.