We have been concerned about artificial food colors for decades. In the 1970s pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Feingold warned that foods with these dyes might make kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) worse. In the 1980s concerns were raised about Red Dye No. 3 (erythosine) and its potential relationship to cancer. On January 15, 2025 the FDA suggested that it would finally take action on Red No. 3. On January 15, 2027 food manufacturers would have to eliminate this coloring agent from beverages, candy, gummies and just about everything else. Drugs would have to pull Red Dye No. 3 in 2028. At last, right? But was the red alert finally being taken seriously, or delayed while industry complained and sought legal delay?
Is the “New” FDA Taking the Red Alert seriously?
After far too long, the Food and Drug Administration appears to be siding with consumers over the companies that make food, candy, juices, soft drinks and pharmaceuticals. That is because the agency is taking a tougher stance on artificial colors in such products.
A few weeks ago, the new FDA Commissioner announced his intention to get petroleum-based synthetic dyes out of the nation’s food supply sooner rather than later.
On April 22, 2025, Dr. Marty Makary stated:
“Today, the FDA is asking food companies to substitute petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children as they already do in Europe and Canada. We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD. Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children.”
What Took So Long for the Red Alert to Take Hold?
It’s about time! Animal studies from the 1980s suggested that Red Dye No. 3 was linked to a higher incidence of tumors. The European Union banned this coloring agent from food in 1994, in part due to evidence that it could disrupt the thyroid gland and possibly lead to tumors.
Dr. Benjamin Feingold was a pediatric allergist concerned about ADHD. In the 1970s he blamed the increasing incidence of this disorder on artificial colors. He was roundly criticized by his peers who dismissed his dietary concerns as irrelevant for the majority of patients, including those with ADHD.
More recently, however, a study at American University found that college students with ADHD had worse symptoms and changes in their brain waves when they were exposed to artificial food colorings (Nutritional Neuroscience, Jan. 2022).
It has been challenging for parents to keep susceptible children on a Feingold diet free of synthetic dyes. That’s because color additives are found in so many products: gummies, toaster pastries, baby foods, cupcake icing, frozen popsicles, beef jerky, jelly beans, fruit rolls, candy, cookies, ice cream, soda, fruit-flavored drinks and strawberry-flavored milk, among many other things.
Is the FDA Putting Lipstick on a Worrisome Pigment?
In 1990 the Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3 from lipstick and all other cosmetics. Now, after 35 years, the agency is moving to remove this and other petroleum-based synthetic dyes from foods, beverages and drugs.
If the new policy at the FDA is successful in getting artificial colors out of foods, it will be much easier for parents who wish to feed their children a Feingold-type diet. The food and candy industries will likely fight back, though. The International Association of Color Manufacturers (IACM) insists that synthetic colors are safe for children. This trade organization maintains that such colors do not adversely affect behavior.
Merideth Potter of the American Beverage Association has already warned that substituting natural dyes for artificial colors in the supply chain could take at least five years. In addition, natural compounds are likely to be a lot more expensive. She hinted at the negative impact on families’ grocery bills.
Visitors to this Website Warn About Some Natural Colors as Well:
Marie warns about the natural orange-red food dye annatto:
“I am all for removing harmful chemicals from our food and drug supply and applaud this effort. That said, one substitute for artificial yellow is annatto. It took me several months to discover I am allergic to annatto which is used in hundreds of products including movie popcorn, breads, pastries, crackers, sauces and cheese. I have to ask about it often and read labels very carefully.”
Annatto food dye (norbixin) comes from the seeds of the South and Central American achiote tree (Bixa orenella). Some people are highly allergic to it. Hives, itching and even anaphylactic shock can result if a sensitized person is exposed to this yellow-orange-red color. It may be found in margarine, yogurt, coffee creamers, mustard, popcorn and breakfast cereals, to name just a few of the foods colored with annatto.
Karen is concerned about cochineal extract (Natural Red 4) from an insect (Dactylopius coccus):
“My one fear about removing red dyes is that they will go back to using Cochineal Extract, aka Carmine. Yes, it is a ‘natural’ coloring because it is made by drying and crushing a specific insect.
“I am highly allergic to it, as are many others. Eating it is also contrary to several religious beliefs, not to mention that vegetarians and vegans cannot consume it.
“I can only hope that food manufacturers will have strict requirements for naming all ‘natural’ dyes!”
Carminic acid dyes date back thousands of years. They have been used to color fabrics by the Phoenicians, Aztecs and Mayans. Carmine is a gorgeous red color. But Natural Red 4 can cause allergic reactions for some people.
Our Red Alert for Pharmaceuticals Is Still In Effect:
It’s not just food, beverages and candy that can have artificial dyes. Many pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements also contain petroleum-based synthetic colors. We are hopeful that the FDA’s new urgency will also apply to medications. Waiting until 2028 to get Red Dye No. 3 and other artificial dyes out of cough medicine, children’s antibiotics and pills is no longer acceptable.
Many people take critical medications every day. They do not want to swallow artificial dyes along with their pills.
How long will it take to the FDA to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from foods and drugs? The April 22, 2025 announcement does offer a timeline without providing specific dates. It states that the FDA is:
“…taking the following actions:
- Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
- Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.
- Working with industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—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—from the food supply by the end of next year.
- Authorizing four new natural color additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.”
The FDA’s announcement goes on to state it is:
“Requesting food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously required.”
We will remove our Red Alert when Red No. 3 disappears from foods, drinks and pharmaceuticals. Until then, though, we encourage readers to read labels!
Please share our red alert with your friends and families. While you are at it, please encourage them to sign up for our free newsletter at this link. Anyone who would like to make a donation may do so at this link. Thank you for your support.
