Why Are Food Dye Bans Gaining Attention in the U.S.?

Across the United States, a growing number of parents, schools, and lawmakers are paying close attention to what’s really in the foods we eat—especially when it comes to artificial dyes. Colorful cereals, candies, and even school lunches often contain synthetic food dyes that make food look fun but may come with serious safety concerns. 

With recent legislation, scientific findings, and advocacy from public health organizations, food dye bans are no longer fringe discussions—they’re becoming part of mainstream food policy

The Bright Colors That Spark Big Questions 

If you’ve had rainbow-colored candy or a neon orange sports drink, chances are you consumed a color additive. These synthetic dyes are made in labs and added to food products to make them more visually appealing—especially to kids. 

But just because something looks good doesn’t mean it’s good for us. 

What Are Synthetic Food Dyes? 

Synthetic dyes (also known as certifiable color additives) are lab-made chemicals used to enhance or change the appearance of human foods. These include dyes like Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 5, and Red No. 40—all still legal in the United States. 

Until recently, Red Dye No. 3 was one of them. But on January 15, 2025, the FDA officially banned Red No. 3 from foods and ingested drugs after decades of debate over its safety. 

So what’s left? As of 2025, the FDA allows eight synthetic dyes for use in foods: 

  • FD&C Blue No. 1 
  • FD&C Blue No. 2 
  • FD&C Green No. 3 
  • FD&C Red No. 40 
  • FD&C Yellow No. 5 
  • FD&C Yellow No. 6 
  • Orange B (for sausage casings only) 
  • Citrus Red No. 2 (only on orange peels) 

Why Are These Dyes Still in Our Food? 

Despite bans and warnings, color additives are still common in ultra-processed foods, often marketed to children. Think colored cereals or bright gummies. These dyes don’t offer any nutritional value—they just make food more eye-catching. 

That’s why many health experts consider them low-hanging fruit when it comes to making food safer. If they’re not needed, and they carry risk, why keep them?

What We Know (and Don’t Know) About the Risks 

For decades, debates around synthetic food dyes have centered on one big question: Are they safe to eat, especially for children? 

Science hasn’t always given a simple yes or no. But mounting evidence—especially in the last few years—has made one thing clear: these ingredients aren’t harmless, and the safety concerns are real enough to push bans forward in states like California and West Virginia. 

Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Concerns in Kids 

One of the biggest issues linked to artificial food dyes is their effect on children’s behavior. Parents and teachers have long reported symptoms like restlessness, irritability, and trouble focusing—especially after kids eat dyed foods. 

In 2021, a major report by the California Environmental Protection Agency compiled more than two dozen animal studies and human trials.  

The conclusion? Certain synthetic dyes can cause neurobehavioral issues, particularly in sensitive children. The study even found that adverse effects could happen at levels below the FDA’s acceptable daily intake. 

What About Other Color Additives? 

Several other dyes still allowed in the U.S. have raised red flags: 

  • Titanium dioxide is banned in the European Union over concerns about its ability to damage DNA but remains legal in the U.S. 
  • Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 have been linked to behavioral issues and potential contamination with carcinogens during manufacturing. 
  • Potassium bromate, often found in baked goods, isn’t a dye—but is grouped in recent bans due to similar health risks. 

A growing number of researchers argue that these additives offer no nutritional value, and the trade-off for bright visuals may not be worth it. 

The Government’s Role — Who’s Responsible for Food Dye Oversight? 

When it comes to food safety in the U.S., most people think the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is fully in charge—and they’re partly right. But the truth is more complex. Oversight of color additives, artificial dyes, and chemical ingredients in human foods involves a tangled mix of outdated rules, slow-moving processes, and growing pressure from both scientists and the public. 

FDA Oversight and the Delaney Clause 

The FDA is responsible for approving and monitoring all synthetic food dye use in the U.S. food system. One of the key rules they must follow is the Delaney Clause, which bans the use of any food additive that has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals—even if the risk is small. 

This is the exact clause used to support the 2025 ban on Red Dye No. 3 after studies showed it caused cancer in male rats. But critics argue that enforcement is uneven and influenced too often by food industry lobbying. 

Pushback from Industry 

Of course, not everyone agrees with removing these ingredients. The National Confectioners Association and other trade groups argue that current science does not prove a direct link between artificial dye consumption and harm in humans. They say that banning certain dyes would be expensive and confusing for food manufacturers. 

Still, major brands have already started adapting—removing dyes from cereals, candies, and even school meals to meet changing consumer demand and avoid state-level bans. 

California Leads the Charge 

In 2023, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced a first-of-its-kind bill banning several ingredients from being used in foods sold in California. Among the banned substances: Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben—all of which had been linked to adverse effects in animal studies or flagged by international food safety authorities. 

The bill passed and was signed into law in 2024, giving food manufacturers until 2027 to comply. It was framed as a “low-hanging fruit” solution—targeting additives that offer no nutritional value and are already banned in the European Union. 

West Virginia Follows Suit 

In early 2025, Patrick Morrisey, Attorney General of West Virginia, announced the state’s plan to restrict artificial coloring in foods served in public schools. His office cited health risks, especially among children, and leaned on the FDA’s recent decision to ban Red No. 3 as a signal that broader changes are needed. 

Morrisey said the goal is to eliminate synthetic dye in school meals by 2026, a move that puts the state in line with a growing list of health-first food policies across the country. 

What’s Next for Food Dyes and the American Diet? 

The 2025 ban on Red Dye No. 3 is a clear signal: the way we think about artificial dyes and the food supply is changing. This shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a push toward cleaner ingredients, better safety standards, and more transparency in the foods we eat. 

What to Expect 

In the coming years, expect fewer synthetic food dyes in everyday products—especially those aimed at kids. With growing public interest, brands are swapping out artificial coloring for natural options like beet juice and turmeric. More packages will feature clean labels and fewer harmful chemicals. 

And it’s not just about replacing ingredients—it’s about questioning whether flashy colors are needed at all.  

A Smarter Way to Shop 

To be a conscious consumer, look for brands that prioritize health over hype. Read labels carefully. Be wary of vague claims and stick to trusted sources like FDA.gov and CSPI. 

Where We Stand 

At True Citrus, we’ve always believed in keeping it simple. No synthetic dyes, no color additives, no gimmicks—just simple ingredients and real fruit flavor. You should never have to second-guess what’s in your food. 

Final Thoughts 

Bright colors shouldn’t come with hidden risks. Choosing food free from artificial dyes is one simple way to protect yourself and your family—without giving up flavor. 

We’re proud to be part of that shift.