It dyes cellulose fabrics a brilliant red color, but is not very fast.

The dye can be washed away easily from cellulose fabrics if not dyed correctly.

Acidic and basic stages both occur during the standard formation of Para Red, and acidic or basic byproducts may be present in the final product.

Para red is prepared by diazotization of para-nitroaniline at ice-cold temperatures, followed by coupling with β-naphthol:[1] Para red is not approved for use in food in any jurisdiction.

In 2005, Old El Paso dinner kits were found to be contaminated with the dye and removed from supermarket shelves.