The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are phasing out eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the American food supply by the end of 2026 due to health concerns, especially regarding children's well-being. The dyes being banned or phased out include:
- Red Dye No. 3 (FD&C Red No. 3, erythrosine)
- Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red)
- Yellow Dye No. 5 (Tartrazine)
- Yellow Dye No. 6 (Sunset Yellow)
- Blue Dye No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
- Blue Dye No. 2 (Indigo Carmine)
- Green Dye No. 3 (Fast Green FCF)
- Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B (two dyes currently not widely used and authorization will be revoked soon)
Red Dye No. 3 has already been banned in cosmetics since 1990 and is set to be removed from foods by January 15, 2027, and from drugs by January 18, 2028, with the FDA pushing for an earlier removal. This dye is linked to cancer in laboratory animals, prompting the ban. The other six dyes will be phased out through agreements with manufacturers and regulatory actions, with the FDA encouraging a transition to natural alternatives like beet, carrot, and watermelon juices
. West Virginia has enacted a state-level ban on seven artificial dyes (all except Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B), prohibiting them in school meals starting August 1 and in all foods, beverages, and over-the-counter drugs sold in the state starting January 2028
. In summary, the banned or soon-to-be banned food dyes are primarily synthetic, petroleum-based colorants commonly found in candies, cereals, snacks, and beverages, with the FDA moving to eliminate them due to potential health risks including links to cancer, obesity, diabetes, and behavioral issues in children
