The FDA has revoked the authorization to use Red Dye No. 3 in food and drug products, giving manufacturers until January 15, 2027, or January 18, 2028, to reformulate their products.

While color and other aesthetics enhance the enjoyment of foods and drinks, natural color sources — like beet juice, red cabbage and radishes — are risk-free alternatives, Dilley said. So are anthocyanins, pigments naturally found in berries that give them their red, purple and blue hues, Ventrelle added.

For decades, FD&C Red No. 3 has added its vivid cherry-red hue to candies and cupcakes—but its risks have been debated just as long.