Vibrant shades of red and blue are seemingly the trademarks of American candy. Such colors, however, do not occur naturally.
Synthetic dyes have been used to color American foods for decades, helping to provide the signature vivid appearances that most are familiar with. However, health advocates have long called for the removal of such dyes in food ingredients, citing their adverse health effects in the hyperactivity of children, potential cancer-causing risks, and a plethora of other issues. Dr. Peter Lurise, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, spoke on this issue, stating, “ “Their only purpose is to make food companies money. Food dyes help make ultraprocessed foods more attractive, especially to children, often by masking the absence of a colorful ingredient, like fruit.”
This was addressed by U.S. health officials’ declaration to urge food makers to filter out the use of petroleum-based artificial colors in food production, specifically to eliminate the use of synthetic dyes by the end of next year. Rather than providing a formal agreement, health officials announced that they would rely on voluntary efforts from the food industry, and that the Food and Drug Administration would be establishing guidelines and a timeline for the industry to swap synthetic dyes with natural alternatives, which have long been used by Canada and Europe. While this move is intended to promote the health of American children, it has not all been smooth sailing.
Despite claims regarding the health issues of synthetic dyes, the Food and Drug Administration has continued to state that scientific evidence supports the safe nature of foods containing color additives. Meanwhile, other associations have stated that the entire removal of such dyes by the end of 2026 will prompt other issues, such as a spike in grocery prices. Different angles to this complex issue have carried different arguments, but the promised changes are likely to be noticeable soon.
The Food and Drug Administration announced that they would be initiating the process to revoke authorization for Citrus Red No. 2—which is commonly used to enhance the peel coloring of oranges—and Orange B—often used for sausage casings—within the approaching months. Meanwhile, they are working to entirely eliminate 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 by the end of next year. These dyes are prevalent in cereals, candies, beverages, chips, and other token items of American pantries.
