The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is on the verge of banning several synthetic food dyes. This would be a major decision that may affect the food and beverage industry. However, this could be a win for consumers since some synthetic food dyes are linked to the development of potential health risks.
There have long been concerns surrounding connections between food dyes, behavioral problems in children, and other health issues like allergic reactions.
Countries in the European Union have led the way with bans or restrictions on the use of food dyes, ahead of the U.S on this matter. This FDA food dye ban reflects the regulatory demands echoed for cleaner food labels and safer ingredients.
This potential shift could mean improved transparency and healthier food options for consumers to grab off supermarket shelves.
What Are Petroleum Synthetic Dyes?
Petroleum-based food dyes are synthetic coloring agents that have been derived from crude oil. These dyes are manufactured in a lab through a complex chemical process. They are used to boost the appearance of processed foods, giving products a more vibrant color.
Presently, eight artificial dyes are approved for use in food and medications, including:
- Blue No. 1
- Blue No. 2
- Red No. 40
- Citrus Red No. 2
- Orange B
- Yellow No. 5
- Yellow No. 6
- Green No. 3
Many common food types contain petroleum-based dyes, from candies and cookies to ice pops and sports drinks.
FDA Food Dye Ban: 6 Dyes the FDA Wants to Phase Out
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has plans for companies to phase out all petroleum-based dyes by the close of 2026 as a result of health concerns. The objective is to replace these dyes with natural alternatives–new natural color additives.
Food dyes do not have any known nutritional value, so their benefits are mostly aesthetic. It makes food look more appealing, so people are more likely to buy it. However, it’s crucial to weigh concerns like this against safety in the food industry as well as consumer trust in the food products they purchase and consume.
Among the six targeted dyes are:
Red No. 40
FD&C Red No. 40, or Red 40 for short, is also dubbed Allura Red AC in the food industry and E 129 in Europe. Red Dye 40 makes manufactured products more visually appealing to buyers, helping to influence their purchasing decisions. It enhances the color of food and beverages.
Not only is Red 40 found in dozens of food products, but it can also be found in cosmetics and medications. Studies suggest that exposure to Red 40 occurs commonly through beverages such as Gatorade Fruit Punch and Fanta Soda, several strawberry milk brands, and pink lemonade mixes.
Also, foods such as cereals, like Kellogg’s Froot Loops and General Mills’ Lucky Charms, and frozen desserts such as Breyers’ M&M’s Minis Caramel Fudge Light Ice contain Red 40.
Additionally, Red 40 is prevalent in some candies like gummy bears and worms, snack foods such as cheddar-flavored snacks and potato chips, and processed foods such as dressings and sauces.
Yellow No. 5
Yellow 5 is one of the most popular artificial dyes, used in foods such as pastries and brightly colored soda and candy. It’s also called FD&C Yellow No. 5, E102, and tartrazine. Some common foods that Yellow No. 5 can be found in include the following:
Brightly colored candies like candy corn, Starburst, Skittles, and M&Ms- Processed pastries, like Twinkies
- Neon-colored sodas, such as Mountain Dew
- Frozen treats, like Popsicles
- Sugary breakfast cereals such as Cap’n Crunch
- Beverages like the kids’ fruit drinks, Sunny D, and Kool-Aid Jammers
- Pre-packaged pasta
- Chips such as Doritos
In the European Union, Yellow No. 5 has been linked to hyperactivity in children and has warning labels on products that highlight this potential risk. However, the FDA did not take that approach early on, citing a lack of evidence in drawing that conclusion.
Yellow No. 6
Yellow 6 is also a target of the FDA food dye ban and is sometimes referred to as FD&C Yellow No. 6 and Sunset Yellow FCF. This synthetic dye is used to color drinks and foods.
It is an orange color that is used to enhance food colors by giving them a yellow coloring. It’s commonly found in many of the same food products that contain Yellow 5. Some foods containing yellow 6 include:
- Breakfast cereals such as Trix and Froot Loops
- Sodas like Fanta
- Candies, chewing gum
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Energy drinks
- Candied fruits
- Desserts such as rice puddings and tapioca puddings
- Dairy-based, frozen desserts
- Fruit-based spreads and desserts
- Condiments such as sauces, jams, jellies, and mustards
Yellow No. 6 appears to have the potential to raise health concerns that may warrant an FDA food dye ban. It appears that some individuals may experience allergic reactions after ingesting foods with this dye, especially if they are hypersensitive to food dyes.
Also, some people may experience hormone disruption, respiratory tract irritation, and a slightly increased risk of cancer, as well as hyperactivity in children.
Blue No. 1
Blue No.1 is also referred to as Blue 1 Dye, or Brilliant Blue FCF, or FD&C Blue No. 1. It is a colorant additive that’s popularly added to certain foods.
These include:
- Multi-colored candies, like M&Ms, Skittles, Airheads, and Jolly Ranchers.
- Syrups like Monin and Torani brand blue Curacao syrups
- Energy drinks such as Red Bull and Blue
- Baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and cakepops
- Jellies
- Beverages
- Canned peas
- Condiments
- Cereals
- Cakes
- Frostings
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
Some studies indicate that Blue No. 1 synthetic dye may have neurotoxic effects, and as such, it’s been suggested that it be replaced with natural dyes (2).
Blue No. 2
Blue No. 2 is also called FD&C Blue No. 2, indigo blue, or indigotine. Also, it’s sometimes labeled Indigo Carmine. Blue No. 2 is a greenish-blue dye that is also targeted for an FDA food dye ban. It’s present in a variety of foods, including:
- Breakfast cereals
- Baked goods
- Energy drinks
- Sports drinks
- Dessert powders
- Ice creams and Sorbets
- Candy like M&Ms and Skittles
- Snack foods
Studies appear to suggest that hyperactivity in children and cancer have both been linked to this synthetic food dye. Both are potential health dangers.
Green No. 3
Also called Fast Green FCF or FD&C Green No. 3, this forest green synthetic food dye is added to several different types of processed foods. It’s found in the following foods:
- Candies
- Canned vegetables
- Ice cream
- Sherbett
- Cereal
- Desserts
- Beverages, like Soft drinks and mixers
- Jello
- Salad dressings
- Baking goods
- Dairy products
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) statements suggest that Fast Green FCF may cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory irritation (1). The potential food dye health risks may help contribute to the decision to implement the FDA food dye ban.
The Case of Red Dye 3
The Red Dye 3 appears to be the most controversial of the synthetic food dyes. It was banned from cosmetics in 1990. In 2022, a petition of some two dozen food safety and health advocates urged the FDA to repeal authorization of the use of Red Dye 3.
Studies show that it has the potential to contribute to the development of cancer. It was banned by the FDA first, in January of 2025, although businesses have until 2027 or 2028 in some cases to comply.
Adrenal Fatigue and Food Dye
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition where the body is unable to keep up with long-term stress, resulting in various nonspecific symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, mild depression, inability to handle stress, tiredness, and skin issues, among other symptoms.
Adrenal Fatigue is the result of chronic stress, and can lead to difficulty processing toxins out of the body. If coupled with the stress of additional toxic substances in the body, this can worsen the condition.
Your body’s adrenal glands release cortisol when under stress of any kind to prepare you to fight or flee from the perceived danger. When your adrenal glands constantly produce high levels of cortisol, they can become fatigued and contribute to the dysregulation of different circuits in the body.
Healing your adrenals is key to reversing this situation. This starts with a shift in your diet, and eliminating foods with artificial food dyes is a great option. It is a good first step in reducing stressors on your detoxification system.
Natural Alternatives to Food Dyes
There are several options for natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes. One that has already received the approval of the FDA is cochineal extract, or carmine, an alternative for vibrant red colorants. Other natural dye alternatives include:
- Annatto extract (yellow) from the seeds of the tropical tree Bixa orellana
- Juiced, powdered, or dehydrated beets as blue-to-brown colorants
- Beta-carotene (yellow or orange) found in carrots, for example
- Grape skin extract (red or purple)
- Orange- and red-hued spices, turmeric and saffron
- Green-colored chlorophyll, spirulina extract, and matcha
The Takeaway
While food manufacturers may not be the happiest about the FDA’s decision to ban these toxic dyes, consumer advocates couldn’t be more pleased. By extension, consumers can also breathe a sigh of relief that the implementation of the FDA food dye ban contributes to them consuming less harmful substances that can hurt their health.
If you believe that you are dealing with food sensitivity related to consuming foods with synthetic dyes, call our office at +1 (714) 709-8000 so that we can help you get back on a path to good health.
