Synthetic dyes are in much more foods in the United States than hot red desserts and electric blue. They lie in wait for a large group of foods and drinks – even foods that do not cry “food coloring”.
accident Ticket Posted in Academy of Nutrition and Nutrition Science It explains the spread of dyes. Using a large database of foods sold in the United States, the researchers analyzed their stickers for seven artificial dyes, almost all of which are drawn from oil. currently, Nine artificial dyes It is allowed in what we eat and drink. (The Food and Drug Administration, one, was banned Red dye No. 3In January 2025, it is about to cancel the mandate for two other people, Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2; All artificial dyes are targeted gradually From American food supplies.)
In addition to finding these dyes in bright -colored treated foods, researchers also found in silent foods such as Bueberry Bagels, taco shells, soft drinks, and hot dog cakes. In general, they were present at about 1 out of 5 foods and drinks.
“[Finding it in] Elizabeth Dunford, who led the study, an assistant professor at Gilgs International Health University at Gilges University, says a member of the George International Health Institute at New South Wales University at New South Wales University at New South Wales University at New South Wales University. “I don’t think this is on the radar of the normal consumer.”
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the Health risks for consumption of artificial dyes Not completely clear, but studies In animals it shows that they can harm DNA, contribute to increasing activity in the immune system, and cause cancer. There is still enough data that explores how these dyes can affect people, but researchers explore the potential links between them, hyperactivity and neural behavioral issues in children. “We need new safety studies.” Danford says.
In April 2025, US Minister of Health and Humanitarian Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Junior. Declare HHS and US Food and Drug Administration will start gradually eliminating all oil -based artificial dyes in food supply by the end of 2026 and replacing them with natural alternatives. The agencies also cancel the approval of Mollenin of food – CTITRUS Red No. 2 and Orange B – It plans to agree to four new natural colors for food.
Kennedy said that HHS will also work with the National Health Institutes to conduct deeper studies on how food additives affect children’s development.
Currently, American organizational bodies classify artificial dyes as “safe when used according to the FDA regulations”, which dictate the types of foods that they can contain and in any quantities. But some states have taken stronger steps to warn consumers of their potential health risks.
In 2023, California passed legislation To ban four additives of food sold in the state as well as in school feeding programs by 2027. In March 2025, West Virginia age Similar legislation targets the foods provided through school feeding programs as well as foods sold in the state. In June, Texas Law passed Food warning stickers that contain any of more than 40 additions or dyes in foods require, starting in 2027.
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The warning stickers are similar to those in some foods in Europe that contain dyes or artificial additions as a means of consumers to be aware of their exposure, although final studies on health effects have not yet been done. Donford says it is an effective way to alert consumers to possible damage and allow them to make more enlightened decisions about what they eat. “The fact that there are possible risks that can make consumers a different approach,” she says.
Food manufacturers are also artificial dyes. JM SMUCKER Co. Committed to removing artificial foods from its products, such as sugar -free fruit, ice cream layer and some flight attendants, by 2027. Kraft-Heins also pledge To stop using artificial dyes in any new products and to get them out of the products by 2027. A company spokesman Kraft said Removed Artificial colors, flavors and preservatives of Mac & Cheese in 2016. Mils General He said that he will remove these dyes from the grains and foods provided to American schools by the summer of 2026, and HersheyConagra, PepsicoAnd Mars I also committed to removing artificial dyes from their food products.
Such movements should help lift some burden on consumers, who even forced this point to verify stickers and educate themselves about the presence of dyes in food and drinks. Dunford notes that some companies also sell two copies of the same product – made of artificial dyes and one without – it is up to the consumer to distinguish between the two. “Consumers should not do this,” she says, which is why warning stickers can be a better way to educate people about where artificial dyes may be hidden.
