The FDA’s Historic Ban on Artificial Food Dyes: What It Means for Your Health

You may have seen the recent news that, in a historic shift, the FDA announced a ban on all petroleum-based food and drink dyes by the end of 2026. Why is this ban historic? For a number of different reasons. Read on to learn about the history of artificial food dyes in the U.S., how toxic food dyes impact your health, what this ban means for you and your health, and more. 

The History of Artificial Food Dyes in America

Artificial food dyes have been used in the U.S. food supply for over a century, originally developed to make processed foods more visually appealing and uniform in color. Most of these dyes are made from petroleum—a practice that began in the early 20th century. Today, these synthetic color additives are widely used in everything from breakfast cereals and sports drinks to candy, snacks, and even medications.

The eight synthetic food dyes that are now slated for removal include:

1. Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)
2. Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC)
3. Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
4. Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)
5. Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
6. Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine)
7. Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF)
8. Orange B (used in limited applications, mostly in hot dog and sausage casings)

Most of these dyes were approved for use decades ago—some as early as 1969—at a time when safety testing was less rigorous and long-term health effects were not well understood. Since their approval, mounting scientific evidence has raised concerns about the links between these dyes and various health problems, especially in children.

Yet despite new data emerging over the years, FDA regulations have not required a reevaluation of these dyes unless new safety petitions are filed—a process typically initiated by external groups like health advocacy organizations or state agencies. As a result, many of these additives have not undergone a modern safety review in over 40 years, even though countries like Japan, Australia, and those in the European Union have banned or restricted several of them.

The recent FDA decision marks a significant policy reversal after decades of inaction, and follows growing scientific consensus and pressure from public health groups demanding reform in how food dyes are assessed and regulated.

How Synthetic Dyes Affect Your Health

Research has linked artificial food dyes to a long list of adverse health effects. Some of the different ways that synthetic dyes can negatively impact your health include:

1. Behavioral and brain development issues in children

When California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) reviewed the body of research on synthetic dyes in 2021, it found clear evidence that the dyes commonly consumed in food can negatively affect children’s behavior. Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6—which account for 90% of food dyes used in the U.S.—were especially associated with hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and restlessness.

This was supported by an Environmental Working Group (EWG) report, which highlighted that even small doses of certain food dyes can impact children’s cognitive function and mood.

Additional research in both animals and humans (like this 2022 review) confirmed that food dyes can alter behavior and increase the risk of attention-related disorders.

2. Allergies

Several synthetic dyes—including Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, and Red No. 40—have been shown to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Reactions can range from mild (rashes, hives) to severe (wheezing, swelling, or even anaphylactic shock).

3. Cancerous tumors

Animal studies have raised concerns about the cancer-causing potential of some dyes. Blue no. 2 was linked to brain tumors in rats, Green No. 3 was correlated with a significant increase in bladder tumors, and Red No. 3 was found to cause thyroid cancer in rats. Though red no. 3 was banned in cosmetics in 1990, it’s still used in food and drink. Even worse, despite these long-standing concerns, Red No. 3 is still used in food marketed to children, including candies and baked goods.

4. Inflammation, gut imbalance, and colorectal Cancer

A 2023 animal study found that Red No. 40 can damage DNA, alter gut bacteria, and promote inflammation in the colon—factors thought to be linked to rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. Researchers concluded that Red 40 “dysregulates key players involved in the development of early-onset colorectal cancer,” supporting the need for regulatory action.

The FDA’s Recent Action

The FDA’s recent decision follows a wave of new scientific evidence and mounting public pressure, including petitions from consumer safety groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest and EWG. Red No. 3 in particular has been the target of multiple calls for removal due to its known toxicity.

With the ban set to go into full effect by the end of 2026, some companies are already responding. PepsiCo and other major manufacturers have announced plans to remove artificial dyes ahead of the mandate.

As the FDA’s ban rolls out, consumers will begin seeing reformulated products on store shelves. While fewer foods may feature the vivid neon (and extremely unnatural) colors we’re used to, many companies are shifting toward plant-based, natural coloring agents like turmeric, spirulina, beet juice, and paprika extract.

The WellBe Takeaway on Artificial Food Dyes

The FDA’s historic ban on petroleum-based food dyes is a long-awaited and science-backed move toward safer food. It’s a big step in the right direction, and a sign that health advocacy does make a difference. While there’s more work to be done—especially around transparency and ingredient safety—this is a major win for families, children, and public health in general. 

As we wait for the ban to fully go into effect, there are steps you can take to protect your health and that of your family in the meantime. When buying food or drink products, here’s what we recommend:

• Read ingredient labels carefully.
• Watch for color names like “Red 40,” “Yellow 5,” or “Blue 1.”
• Look for products labeled “dye-free” or “naturally colored.”
• Use our non-toxic product database to ensure that everything you use and bring into your home is fully vetted and WellBe-approved for your health. 

What are your thoughts on the FDA’s ban of food dyes? Let us know in the comments below!

Citations: 

1. Barraj, Leila M., et al. Estimated Daily Intake of FD&C Food-Color Additives for the US Population, 2 Years and Older, Using NHANES 2011–2016 Data. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, vol. 30, no. 4, 2013, pp. 396–406. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23026007/
2. Center for Science in the Public Interest. Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks. June 2010. https://www.cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf
3. Environmental Working Group. “California Agency Acknowledges Synthetic Food Dyes Link to Hyperactivity.” EWG, Apr. 2021. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2021/04/california-agency-acknowledges-synthetic-food-dyes-link-hyperactivity
   Environmental Working Group. “EWG Petitions FDA to Ban Two Toxic Additives in Popular Halloween Candy.” EWG, Oct. 2023. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/10/ewg-petitions-fda-ban-two-toxic-additives-popular-halloween-candy
4. Environmental Working Group. “It’s Time to Ban Toxic Artificial Coloring in School Food.” EWG, Mar. 2024. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/03/its-time-ban-toxic-artificial-coloring-school-food
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6. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes on Children. Apr. 2021. https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/risk-assessment/report/healthefftsassess041621.pdf
7. Pew Charitable Trusts. “FDA to Reassess Safety of Food Additive Red Dye No. 3.” NPR, 18 Jan. 2025. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/01/18/nx-s1-5262621/red-dye-3-food-children
8. Rowe, K. S., and K. J. Rowe. “Synthetic Food Coloring and Behavior: A Dose Response Effect in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Repeated Measures Study.” Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 125, no. 5, 1994, pp. 691–98. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23208798/
9. Tan, Yan, et al. “Red Dye No. 40 Causes DNA Damage, Colonic Inflammation, and Dysbiosis in Mice: Implications for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.” Toxics, vol. 11, no. 4, Apr. 2023, p. 327. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35484553/
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12. USDA Agricultural Research Service. USDA Branded Food Products Database. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/