While it caused cancer in these male rats, the dye does not cause cancer in humans and other animals in the same way, according to other studies. Therefore, “claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information,” according to the FDA.

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.