The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of phasing out several petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply, with plans to eliminate them by the end of 2026. The dyes targeted for removal include:
- FD&C Red No. 3 (erythrosine) – banned for use in food effective January 15, 2027, due to links to cancer in animal studies; already banned in cosmetics since 1990
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Blue No. 2
- FD&C Green No. 3
- Additionally, the FDA is initiating the revocation of authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B dyes
These synthetic dyes, derived from petroleum, have been associated with various health concerns including potential neurological effects in children, allergic reactions, and links to cancer in animal studies. The FDA is encouraging the food industry to transition to natural color alternatives and plans to approve new natural color additives soon
. While there is no formal law yet banning all these dyes outright, the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have reached agreements with the food industry for their gradual phase-out, aiming for a national standard to replace these synthetic dyes with safer, natural options by the end of 2026
. In summary, the key synthetic food dyes being banned or phased out in the U.S. include Red No. 3 (already banned effective 2027), Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Citrus Red No. 2, and Orange B, with a full phase-out targeted by the end of 2026
