In a landmark decision, the FDA announced a voluntary phase-out of petroleum-based synthetic food dyes in the United States. This affects seven FD&C color additives that have been used in food products for decades.
Which Dyes Are Being Phased Out?
The FDA's phase-out covers all seven currently approved synthetic food dyes:
- Red 40 (Allura Red AC) — The most widely used food dye in the US, found in candy, cereals, sports drinks, and snacks
- Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) — The second most common dye, used in mac and cheese, chips, and beverages
- Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) — Found in cheese-flavored products, candy, and baked goods
- Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) — Used in beverages, candy, and ice cream
- Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine) — Found in candy and beverages
- Red 3 (Erythrosine) — Already banned in California under Prop 65 due to thyroid cancer risk
- Green 3 (Fast Green FCF) — Already banned in the EU; rarely used in the US
Timeline for the Phase-Out
The FDA has set a voluntary phase-out deadline of December 31, 2027. Companies are expected to reformulate products using natural color alternatives such as:
- Beet juice (red)
- Turmeric (yellow)
- Spirulina extract (blue/green)
- Paprika extract (orange)
- Butterfly pea flower (blue)
Why Are Food Dyes Being Banned?
Multiple studies have linked synthetic food dyes to:
- Hyperactivity in children — A 2007 Lancet study (the "Southampton Study") found increased hyperactivity in children consuming artificial dyes
- Allergic reactions — Yellow 5 in particular can cause reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Potential carcinogenic effects — Red 3 was found to cause thyroid tumors in animal studies
- Chromosomal damage — Blue 1 has been linked to chromosomal damage in some studies
What Countries Have Already Banned Food Dyes?
The EU requires warning labels on products with synthetic dyes ("may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"). Norway, Austria, and several other European countries have outright banned many of these dyes.
How to Find Dye-Free Products Today
You don't have to wait until 2027. Use DyeFreeCheck to scan any food product's barcode and instantly see if it contains artificial dyes. Browse our dye-free categories to find alternatives.
The Bigger Picture
Artificial dyes aren't the only additive under scrutiny. Many of the same processed foods that contain synthetic dyes also contain inflammatory seed oils like canola and soybean oil. If you're already reading labels for dyes, check for seed oils too — or scan any label with Origin Recipe to get a homemade, seed oil free version.