T he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of Red Dye No.3 in foods and has given drug manufacturers until Jan. 18, 2028, and food manufacturers until Jan. 15, 20

Red dye No. 3 has been permissible for use in food despite the Delaney Clause of the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The clause, in part, “prohibits the FDA from approving a color additive that is ingested if it causes cancer in animals or humans when ingested,” according to the agency .

Discover which popular foods will be affected by the FDA's new ban on Red No. 3, the synthetic dye that adds a vibrant pop of color to candies, cakes, and some foods you wouldn't even expect.

Studies show that high doses could cause cancer in rats, but the regulators maintain that no evidence exists that ingesting the coloring causes cancer in humans.

While the ban on Red No. 3 certainly impacts a handful of foods and drinks, it's not as widespread as some media outlets report. Many incorrectly claim that certain flavored puddings, strawberry Pediasure,