Red No. 3 and Red No. 40 may look similar, but these food coloring dyes are actually distinct. Here are the main differences ...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 last dye, leading those to think Red Dye No. 40 could be next. How are these dyes different?

Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, is a color additive made from petroleum that gives foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. It was previously banned from use in cosmetics in the U.S. in ...

After the recent ban on Red Dye 3, food manufacturers are turning to FDA-approved dyes like Red Dye 40. But is Red 40 safe? Here's what food safety experts say.

Red 3 is banned, Red 40 is still allowed—here’s how the two food dyes differ and what they could mean for your health. To stream WBIR on your phone, you need the WBIR app.

Red dye 40, also known as Allura Red, is a different chemical than red dye 3. It was first registered with the FDA in the 1970s and, like red dye 3, it’s synthesized from petroleum.

The FDA's decision to ban Red 3 does not apply to Red 40, which will remain available for use in food products in the U.S. Some studies have also shown Red 40 is a carcinogen in animals.

Another red dye, No. 40, is actually more popular than No. 3, according to the USDA database. Red dye No. 40 is used in cereal, beverages, gelatins, puddings, dairy products and confections.

But some other red candies, like Swedish Fish and Wild Cherry Lifesavers, use Red 40. Just Born, which produces Peeps, said that the company no longer uses Red No. 3. (Haven Daley / AP) ...

Finding Red 3 in most foods is no longer common after many brands have switched to Red 40. However, there are still a few popular foods that incorporate it into their ingredients.