The FDA has banned the use of artificial dye in Red No. 3 in food, drinks and ingested drugs more than 3 decades after scientists raised alarms over its cancer risks.

The color is used to give a bright cherry hue to cereals, ice cream, sodas and more.

Food and beverage companies have until January 15th, 2027 to reformulate their products. Drug manufacturers using Red No. 3 must ditch the dye by January 18th, 2028.

Red No. 3, approved for use in the US since the early 1900s, is made from petroleum. Decades-long evidence finds that it causes cancer in rats and the FDA “cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in human or animals”, according to the administration’s deputy director.