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.

So what makes Red No. 3 so controversial? This synthetic food dye is commonly used to give food and drinks their bright cherry-red color. However, it has raised concerns because s

Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a color additive made from petroleum that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color.