Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned red dye No. 3, many people are criticizing or questioning the safety and the FDA’s allowance of red dye No. 40 and five other color additives commonly used in the United States.

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.

Did you know your favorite food might be hiding a not-so-healthy secret? Red dye 3, the one that gives many products their intense hue, has been banned in the United States by the FDA. That's right! Health authorities have found it could be linked to cancer.