Following the ban of red dye No. 3 in the United States, experts weigh in on the potential health risks of red dye No. 40, yellow dye No. 5 and others.

For decades, FD&C Red No. 3 has added its vivid cherry-red hue to candies and cupcakes—but its risks have been debated just as long.

T he U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of red dye No. 3 in foods, more than three decades after researchers discovered its link to cancer in rodents and to worsened attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and other behavioral symptoms. The dye is already banned from foods in the European Union, New Zealand and Australia.

For consumers, the ban on Red No. 3 represents a small victory for public health and safety. It shows that the FDA is actively engaged in protecting the American food supply from harmful additives. As more studies emerge and consumer advocacy grows, we may see additional changes in how artificial dyes are used.

The FDA has banned the use of FD&C Red Dye No. 3 in foods and medicines due to its potential health risks. Discover the science behind this food coloring and its substitutes.

Discover what the Red Dye No. 3 ban means for your kids' health and how to protect them now. Category : Children's Health, Baby, Health & Wellness

The FDA banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 based on a petition asking that the agency follow a specific guideline.

The colorant was banned from cosmetics and non-oral medications years ago because a study showed it caused cancer in rats. But it remained approved for many snack foods and other products until this week.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 last dye, leading those to think Red Dye No. 40 could be next. How are these dyes different?