Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine or FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum that is used in foods to give them a bright red color. It has been banned from use in cosmetics and topical medications for over three decades due to its link to cancer in laboratory animals. However, it remains approved for use in foods, dietary supplements, and oral drugs, and is found in many packaged foods, including candies, maraschino cherries, boxed mashed potatoes, and protein shakes. A search of the Environmental Working Group’s Eat Well Guide returns nearly 3,000 products that use Red Dye No. 3 as an ingredient, including popular candies such as Skittles, Nerds candies, and Trolli gummies. Despite the fact that the government concluded that Red 3 causes cancer, food companies continue to use it widely. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredient lists of food products to avoid consuming Red Dye No. 3.