Danger goes beyond red: which popular food dyes should you avoid?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on synthetic food dye Red No. 3 due to its link to cancer in laboratory animals. The 1990 law prohibits the approval of food additives that have been found to cause cancer, which prompted the FDA to take this action. However, besides this hazardous dye, there are others that may be equally harmful. This is what doctors have decided to address, as reported by NPR.

Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to phase out the dye, which is used in a wide range of products, including candies, cake mixes, and medicines. However, consumer groups warn that companies might replace it with Red No. 40—another synthetic dye linked to behavioral issues in children.

Red No. 3 has been banned in cosmetics since 1990, making its continued use in food and medicines a contentious issue. In California, laws have already been enacted to prohibit several synthetic dyes, including Red No. 40, in school meals. Similarly, the European Union requires warning labels on products containing certain dyes, indicating that they may affect children’s attention and activity levels.

Red No. 3 is widely used in production: the Environmental Working Group found it in over 3,000 products sold in the U.S. alone. Among these are processed items such as fruit cocktails and flavored milk mixes, as well as some medications. While some companies are trying to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives, such as beet juice, spirulina, or spices like turmeric and paprika, progress in this area varies. For instance, when Kraft removed synthetic dyes from its macaroni and cheese, it turned to such natural dye sources.

Other synthetic dyes are also raising concerns. For example, Yellow No. 5 has been linked to irritability, anxiety, and even depression in some children, according to a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, and animal studies have shown that some dyes may impair memory and learning ability. Despite this data, the FDA has not banned other synthetic dyes, although consumer advocacy groups continue to push for warning labels on products containing them.

Experts advise parents to limit their children’s consumption of synthetic dyes, but also suggest not overreacting to incidental exposure, such as at birthday parties. Dr. Jennifer Wu Baidel, a pediatrician at Stanford University, recommends focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding sugary and processed foods.

As synthetic dyes are often found in ultra-processed snacks and beverages, reducing their presence in children’s diets may also help limit sugar consumption, which has long been a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Some countries impose stricter regulations on synthetic dyes than the U.S. For instance, several European countries have banned or tightly regulated certain dyes, emphasizing consumer safety. The recent move by the FDA to phase out Red No. 3 aligns with growing global and domestic scrutiny of food additives, but questions remain about the safety of other synthetic dyes still on the market.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may impact your health. If you are experiencing issues, consult a specialist.