Food Dye Ban: What health risks do the 8 additives being phased out have?

Donald Trump’s administration has announced a plan to phase out eight synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026.

The Food and Drug Administration’s decision to remove the petroleum-based artificial color additives follows mounting scientific evidence and advocacy from health organizations such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which has long warned of the risks associated with synthetic dyes.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly criticized food additives, said at a news conference announcing the policy change on Tuesday that if consumers “want to eat petroleum, they ought to add it themselves at home.”

Why It Matters

The FDA’s policy change reflects growing concern over the potential health consequences of color additives, particularly for children and Kennedy Jr. repeatedly calling for attention to the issue of American health.

Synthetic dyes offer no nutritional value and are often added for purely aesthetic reasons, according to CSPI.

Several of the targeted dyes have already been banned in California, as they have been linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions and cancer risks in animal studies.

While the FDA has historically maintained that these dyes are safe in regulated quantities, critics argue that newer research justifies their removal.

Which Food Dyes Are Being Phased Out?

The FDA has moved to eliminate the following eight dyes from the U.S. food market:

• Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC)

• Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)

• Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)

• Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)

• Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine)

• Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF)

• Citrus Red No. 2

These dyes are commonly used in products such as candies, cereals, beverages and snacks – many of which are marketed to children.

What Health Risks Do the Food Dyes Have?

Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC): This dye has been linked to behavioral changes in children. Research found that it may also cause hypersensitivity reactions.

Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine): Tartrazine has been shown in research to cause allergic reactions, particularly in people who are sensitive to aspirin, and hyperactivity in children. It has also been found to contain benzidine, a contaminant classified as a human carcinogen.

Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF): Animal tests referenced in the CSPI report linked this additive to adrenal and kidney tumors, though the FDA dispute these findings. It is also suspected to exacerbate hyperactivity in children.

Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): Research found that this dye may interfere with nerve cell development.

Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine): This dye has shown evidence of brain tumor development in rats.

Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF): This dye has been associated with bladder tumors in animal research.

Citrus Red No. 2: This dye, which is primarily used on the skin of oranges, has been shown to cause bladder and internal tumors in animal studies.

Orange B: Once used in sausage casings, this dye has mostly fallen out of use. Still, studies cited by CSPI linked it to carcinogenic outcomes in lab animals.

What People Are Saying

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said at a news conference on Tuesday: “The FDA will establish a standard and timeline for industry to switch to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in production within coming weeks and take steps to remove remaining dyes on the market.”

Kennedy Jr. said at the same news conference: “Food dye is just a no-brainer. Nobody wants to eat petroleum. Everybody knows there’s enough science out there that we know it’s terrible for you. It causes health problems but also behavioral problems.”

Newsweek has contacted the FDA and the HSS, via email, for comment.

What Happens Next

The FDA has urged manufacturers affected by the ban to shift toward using natural coloring agents such as beet, watermelon or carrot juice.

Authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B is set to be revoked in the coming months but manufacturers have until the end of 2026 to removed the other six from their supply.