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, 7 of those food dyes are approved for use in the food industry and 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 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
3. Blue Dye No. 1 - 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 - 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.
6. Yellow Dye No. 6 - has been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. Yellow 6 cause hypersensitivity reactions.
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.

Citrus Red No. 2 toxicity tests also suggest safety concerns, but Citrus Red No. 2 is used at low levels and only on some Florida oranges.

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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