The discussion around artificial food dyes is becoming increasingly contentious. In response, health concerns are fueling unprecedented regulatory scrutiny and legislative actions across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the approval and regulation of these dyes, with eight currently sanctioned for use in food products: Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Citrus Red 2, Orange B, and Green 3. As research accumulates connecting these color additives to heightened behavioral conditions in kids, efforts to end their use are becoming more urgent.
Since the 1970s, artificial dyes have been a source of debate. Researchers began associating them with adverse impacts on children’s behavior. New evidence from California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment adds disturbing findings. In fact, over two thirds of studies point to a connection between synthetic dyes and negative behavioral effects in children. Research overwhelmingly backs up these assertions. Recent research published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics shows that as many as 43% of foods marketed to kids have at least one artificial dye.
Considering the use of these additives, it is no wonder! Over 10% of food products in the U.S. use at least one synthetic dye, and of those, almost 40% have three or more different dyes. While this practice is widespread, we must ask what the long-term public health implications could be, especially for at-risk populations including children.
To help consumers make informed choices, the FDA requires food manufacturers to disclose color additives on product labels. However, despite this transparency, concerns persist. Red 3, an approved dye, was banned in 2025. Research showed that extremely high levels of exposure would lead to tumor development in lab rats. It will take manufacturers at least until 2027 to phase out Red 3 from their cosmetic products.
California and West Virginia have gone above and beyond in order to protect kids’ health. One of them, Maryland, enacted laws that ban synthetic food dyes in school meals. Together, these actions point to an encouraging trend among parents and educators — an increasing awareness of, and demand for, healthier food options. Beyond these two states, almost two dozen more are already working on legislation to limit synthetic food dyes.
The U.S. government just rolled out some pretty ambitious plans to remove all artificial dyes from our food supply. They have committed to phase out these synthetic dyes and use safer natural alternatives by the end of 2026. This program complements the FDA’s stated priority of working with food manufacturers. Together, they plan to drive the FDA to remove all eight synthetic dyes approved for use.
It’s time to change that,” said Emanuela Taioli, MD, an industry veteran.
“Artificial dyes are clearly not necessary.” – Emanuela Taioli, MD
Other experts are calling for caution in reading the data related to artificial dyes. Even the expecting pairs are more sophisticated than that soft-focus image,” says Liam Sacino, who, like
“Anyone who’s telling you we know anything for certain in either direction isn’t entirely correct.” – Liam Sacino
He’s excited about new technology that can empower consumers to better understand their nutrition and food options.
“You can scan products, and it’ll give you information about what’s in the food.” – Liam Sacino
The conversation around synthetic food dyes is changing quickly. Consumer taste and regulatory demands are apparently at an all time high as consumers and regulators focus on food safety and encouraging Americans to eat healthier, more nutritious diets. The FDA’s efforts to phase out artificial dyes are part of a broader trend towards transparency and consumer empowerment in dietary choices.
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