Banning Artificial Food Dyes: Health Risk or Overreaction?
Lately, I’ve been fielding more questions than usual about food dyes, and I can’t help but wonder if the recent ban on six harmful food dyes in California schools is sparking more concern. Many of my clients are increasingly worried about how these dyes might affect their health goals—whether it’s weight loss, diabetes prevention, or overall wellness. The conversation around food dyes is gaining momentum, and it’s clear that people are paying attention to the potential impact on their health.
For a long time, my mindset was, “If it’s on the market, it must be safe.” But since having a little one at home, I’ve shifted to a more proactive approach. Now, I’m diving into the research, making my own informed decisions, and asking myself, “Should I be more concerned about this?”
To help you make informed choices too, let’s take a closer look at the potential health risks of food dyes and the broader social impact this shift could have on public health and policy. It’s time to dig deeper and understand what’s really at stake.
What are Artificial Food Dyes?
Artificial food dyes, also known as synthetic food colorings, are chemical substances used to add color to food and beverages. They are often added to enhance the appearance of products, making them more visually appealing. They are commonly used in processed foods, candies, beverages, baked goods, and even cosmetics. Some of the more common dyes include Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 1 and 2, and Green 3.
What are "Natural" Food Dyes?
In contrast, natural food dyes are derived from plants, vegetables, minerals, and animals. Natural dyes are often considered safer and are commonly used in organic and “clean” food products. However, these color additives tend to be more expensive, less vibrant, and may introduce unwanted flavors to the products they color.
Examples include beet juice (red), turmeric (yellow), spinach powder (green), carrot powder (orange), annatto (yellow), and purple cabbage (blue and purple).
Who Regulates Artificial Food Dyes?
Artificial food dyes are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Regulations require “evidence” that a color additive is “safe” at its intended usage level before it can be used in foods. When approving a color additive, the FDA reviews the type of food it can be used in, the amount that can be used, and how it should be labeled on the packaging.
I used quotation marks around the words “evidence” and “safe” because this is where things get a little dicey.
Timely Scientific Evidence
A majority of the artificial food dyes used in foods today were introduced in the 1950s and 1960s. Red 40 was approved in 1969 as a replacement for Red 2 after safety concerns led to the latter’s ban. Yellow 6 and Blue 1 were approved in the 1970s and 1980s, respectively. At the time, scientific evidence simply couldn’t identify any significant risks associated with their use.
The approval of artificial food dyes is an ongoing process, with the FDA continuing to review and update safety guidelines based on emerging research.
Causation vs. Correlation
A major barrier to removing already approved artificial food dyes is the burden of proving that they cause harm. As of 2019, the FDA maintains that “most children have no effects from consuming foods containing color additives, though some evidence suggests that certain children may be part of a sensitive subpopulation.”
Without conclusive proof that artificial food dyes cause harm, the FDA is unlikely to remove them from widespread use.
Safety and Artificial Food Dyes
So, what are some of the concerns regarding artificial food dyes? They are largely centered around potential health risks for children and individuals with sensitivities.
Hyperactivity and Behavioral Issues
Some studies suggest a link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity, especially in children with ADHD. A 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found evidence that synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in some children.
Certain dyes, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, have been linked to exacerbating symptoms of hyperactivity. A 2022 systematic review highlighted the need to re-evaluate exposure to these dyes in children and called for additional research to create a more comprehensive database for establishing acceptable daily intakes.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain food dyes, such as skin rashes, hives, or other symptoms. Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) is known to cause reactions in some people who are more sensitive.
Carcinogenicity Concerns
Although no conclusive evidence has been found linking food dyes to cancer, some dyes have raised concerns about their potential carcinogenic effects based on animal studies. For example, Red 3 was banned for use in food due to its association with cancer in lab animals.
Long-term exposure to high levels of artificial dyes may raise concerns about toxicity, affecting organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Limited Comprehensive Evidence
While the FDA continues to consider many artificial food dyes safe, ongoing debates and concerns persist due to a lack of long-term, comprehensive studies on their full impact on human health. This raises the question: why use them in the first place?
Given these concerns, some countries have taken action to ban or restrict certain food dyes, while others advocate for clearer labeling and stricter regulation. California is the first state to implement more comprehensive bans on the use of artificial food dyes in schools.
The California School Safety Act
The California School Safety Act is the first law in the U.S. to ban six artificial dyes from food served in the state’s public schools. This includes Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2 and Green Dye No. 3.
California legislators felt that the lack of evidence supporting the safety of these food additives was sufficient reason to mandate their removal from public school meals. Of course, families can still purchase foods containing these dyes at grocery and convenience stores.
What Does This Mean for Public Health?
This is a complex issue that affects not only individual health choices but also how we approach food safety and consumer awareness on a broader scale.
Some argue that focusing on food additives and artificial food dyes is a distraction from the bigger problem. In the midst of an obesity epidemic, why are we still marketing ultra-processed, hyper-palatable foods to children? Are products like Fruit Loops somehow healthier just because they use natural food colors instead of artificial dyes? Probably not.
The real issue lies in food marketing, accessibility, and the food environment. Even if we were to eliminate artificial food dyes, the root of the problem—excessive consumption of highly processed foods filled with added sugars and artificial ingredients—remains unaddressed.
Key Takeaway
The growing conversation about artificial food dyes is not just about the safety of these additives but also about broader public health concerns. As we’ve seen, the debate has sparked more awareness, especially with California’s recent actions to ban certain food dyes in schools.
While I don’t plan to throw away every item in my pantry that contains artificial food dyes or prevent my little one from attending a birthday party just because there might be a brightly colored cake, I can be more mindful of the types of foods I purchase moving forward. I encourage you to do the same.
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- Miller MD, Steinmaus C, Golub MS, et al. Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence. Environ Health. 2022;21(1):45. Published 2022 Apr 29. doi:10.1186/s12940-022-00849-9
- Tartrazine – an overview | sciencedirect topics. Accessed December 15, 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/tartrazine#:~:text=Tartrazine%2C%20also%20known%20as%20FD%26C,consumers%20(Lockey%2C%201959)
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