Seven Food Dyes That Cause Health Concerns

Many food dyes have been banned because of inadequate test results and/or adverse effects on laboratory animals. Today, seven (7 ) out of nine (9) of those food dyes that have been approved for use in the food industry are controversial because of varying health and safety concerns.

Altogether, the FDA has approved 36 food dyes, and 7 of these are artificial color additives used in foods and beverages. They are suspect of causing disease and other health problems.

1. Red Dye No. 3 causes cancer in animals. It is banned from use in cosmetics, as enforced by the FDA. In 1990, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics but did not ban its use in food, despite proof it causes cancer. The FDA pledged to ban Red No. 3 in food but three decades later it has not acted. This chemical is still found in over 3,300 products in Food Scores.
2. Red Dye No.40 is a synthetic color additive or food dye made from petroleum. It has been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. Red 40 also causes hypersensitivity reactions. Hazardous to children's brains during critical periods of development. It's used in foods and beverages. Although U.S. federal law currently still allows it to be used in a variety of products, that may end soon. In April 2025, the FDA announced that it would take steps to phase out the use of red dye 40 and several other synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.
3. Blue Dye No. 1 - Synthetic blue dyes are created by chemical synthesis and sometimes sulphonic or carboxyl groups are added to natural dye molecules. A study observed developmental delays and behavioral difficulties in animals. Another study found associated developmental effects on the nervous system.
4. Blue Dye No. 2 - A study demonstrated that color additives including FD&C Blue No. 2 are linked to a number of health problems that especially affect children, which include behavioral changes. For animals, consumption of chemicals caused an increased incidence of tumors in rats.
5. Yellow Dye No. 5 - has been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. Yellow 5 also causes hypersensitivity reactions. Numerous microbiological and rodent studies of Yellow 5 were positive for genotoxicity. In sensitive children, as little as one milligram of Yellow No. 5 can affect behavior, causing irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbance. It is added to pastries, brightly colored soda, and colored candy.
6. Yellow Dye No. 6 - has been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. Yellow 6 causes hypersensitivity reactions. It is commonly found in packaged cereals, snacks, and beverages.
7. Green Dye No. 3 - An animal study found a significant increase in bladder tumors associated with the consumption of this chemical. Limited individual studies have been conducted. It is the least used of these seven dyes.

Other food dyes with lesser concerns..

1. Orange B - Only approved for use in hot dog and sausage casings. Today, the FDA took another step to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by proposing to cancel the use of Orange B. The FDA tentatively concluded that its use has been abandoned by industry and that the color additive regulation is outdated and unnecessary.
2. Citrus Red No. 2 - It is only approved for use to color orange peels. It is not approved for use in consumable foods. Studies have shown that artificial food coloring appears to affect children's behavior, particularly those with ADHD. Researchers at the Center for Science in Public Interest determined that Citrus Red 2 is associated with brain and bladder tumors in mice and rats.

The U.S. does not have strict regulations on these types of chemical dyes. Countries such as Australia, Japan and others in the European Union either restrict or ban these chemicals from use.

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