Consumer groups are calling for the use of erythrosine—also known as red dye 3—in foods to be banned, pointing to studies suggesting the food coloring’s carcinogenicity and children’s heightened exposure to the coloring. Although red dye 3 was banned in cosmetics over 30 years ago by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is still approved for food applications.

Red dye 3 is synthetic food coloring made from petroleum. The substance is commonly used to give foods and drinks a bright, cherry-red color. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), red dye 3 is present in over 2,900 food products.