The U.S. on Wednesday banned the use of a synthetic food dye that gives some candies, cakes and certain oral medications a cherry-red color, following evidence that the dye causes cancer in laboratory rats.

The Food and Drug Administration announced its decision after advocates filed a petition in 2022 that claimed the additive is linked to cancer and behavioral problems in children. Manufacturers must stop using Red No.

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 No. 5 and others.