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Why the FDA banned the common food dye Red No. 3

Studies in rats link high exposure to cancer, but there’s little science on its harm to people 

A red gummy bear sits on a jumble of yellow, white and red gummy bears. The red color may be due to Red No. 3, a dye now banned by the FDA.

Some gummy and other candies get their bright color from the synthetic food dye Red No. 3, which the FDA has now banned.

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By Meghan Rosen

The cherry-red synthetic dye Red No. 3 is no longer allowed in foods, drinks and drugs. 

On January 15, the U.S.