U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary announced on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, that the FDA has made plans to phase out synthetic, petroleum-based food dyes in U.S. food. This food dye ban is happening because of concerns about negative health consequences from these dyes.
What is Being Banned
Red dye No. 3 was already banned in January, but with a deadline of 2027-2028. This will be moved up. Additionally, the food dye ban includes FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2, which will have a deadline of the end of 2026. Citrus red No. 2 and Orange B are set to cease usage in the “coming months.” The document also states that four new natural color additives will be approved with others, in the future. And the FDA will partner with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research how food additives affect children.
Why a Food Dye Ban
There is limited research on how certain additives affect humans, but research on animals has shown concerning outcomes. For example, red No. 3 and red No. 40, as well as blue No. 2 and green No. 3, have shown cancer increases in animal testing. Others may contain carcinogens as well. There is also evidence that blue No. 1 and yellow No. 6 could have effects such as sleep disturbance and irritability in some kids. And some children may also be sensitive to artificial dyes, causing attention and learning difficulties.
Some states already have a food dye ban and bans on other additives. California, for example, bans the use of red dye No. 40, yellow dye No. 5, yellow dye No. 6, and more from public school food. Legislation is being presented in some states as well. The European Union has already enacted a food dye ban for red No. 40, red No. 3, yellow No. 5, yellow No. 6, blue No. 1, blue No. 2, and green No. 3. Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway also have bans for these food dyes.
Will This be Effective?
Whether this action will be effective remains to be seen. The FDA process has six steps. And it largely relies on the food industry to act. Consumer Reports director of food policy, Brian Ronholm, said, “It’s encouraging to see the FDA working towards a ban on synthetic food dyes, but this multistep plan relies on voluntary industry efforts that will simply prolong the amount of time it will take to get dangerous dyes out of our food.”
Final Thoughts
In the end, this change isn’t truly a food dye ban. It’s a polite request for the food industry to stop using these artificial food dyes. Actual regulatory changes are needed to make use of the substances illegal. In the meantime, consumers can and should educate themselves on the effects of these additives. Then you can choose the foods that are best for your family. Food labels take time to read, but it’s worth it.
