After the Red No. 3 ban, there are now eight color additives approved by the FDA. They are FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Yellow No. 6.

Brian Ronholm: Well, this is an issue that’s been percolating for quite a long time. Back in 1990, the FDA made the decision to ban Red 3 in cosmetics, and that was because it was linked to cancer in animals.

For consumers, the ban on Red No. 3 represents a small victory for public health and safety. It shows that the FDA is actively engaged in protecting the American food supply from harmful additives. As more studies emerge and consumer advocacy grows, we may see additional changes in how artificial dyes are used.

What is red dye no. 3, what products have red dye no. 3, and why has the FDA banned red dye no. 3? Dr. Frita Fisher explains the cancer risk associated with the red-pink dye popularly found in foods and how consumers can actively avoid it while the food industry slowly phases it out.

The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3. The additive is found in over 9,000 U.S. products. Here's how to avoid it, and what to reach for instead.