All the health risks of the 8 food dyes the FDA is banning — including cancer and behavioral issues
The hateful eight?
The US Food and Drug Administration announced a plan Tuesday to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from America's food supply in the coming months.
'Food dye is just a no-brainer. Nobody wants to eat petroleum. Everybody knows there's enough science out there that we know it's terrible for you. It causes health problems but also behavioral problems,' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said at a Tuesday news conference.
Advertisement
7 US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has long targeted artificial dyes found in candy, cereals, sports drinks and processed snacks. Kennedy is pictured here at a March 2025 event.
AP
The FDA already banned the dye known as Red No. 3 in January after it was shown to cause cancer in lab rats. A deadline was set to remove Red 3 from food by January 2027 and from medications by January 2028.
FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said the agency is requesting food companies remove Red 3 sooner than these deadlines. Kennedy has long targeted artificial dyes found in candy, cereals, sports drinks and processed snacks.
Advertisement
The FDA plans to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings — Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B— in the coming months. The other six would be removed from the food supply by the end of 2026.
Here's a look at the health concerns surrounding the eight artificial dyes on the chopping block.
Blue 1
7 The artificial coloring Blue 1 gives Takis their blue hue.
Mdv Edwards – stock.adobe.com
Also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, Blue 1 is derived from petroleum to give foods such as M&Ms and Takis a blue hue.
Advertisement
An unpublished study on mice suggested a potential link between Blue 1 and kidney tumors, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The non-profit watchdog has been calling for more Blue 1 testing, as a preliminary test-tube study raised questions about its possible effects on nerve cells.
Blue 2
7 This photo shows blueberry Pop-Tarts on display at a confectionery shop in London. Blue 2 is banned in some European countries due to concerns about its potential carcinogenicity.
I-Wei Huang – stock.adobe.com
Blue 2, also known as indigo carmine or indigotine, mimics the color and properties of plant-based indigo dye in products like Skittles and blueberry Pop-Tarts.
Advertisement
Research indicates a higher occurrence of certain tumors, particularly brain gliomas, in male rats exposed to Blue 2.
'Blue No. 2 cannot be considered safe for human consumption,' researchers from Poland wrote in a 2021 study.
Citrus Red No. 2
7 Florida oranges are sometimes treated with Citrus Red No. 2 to enhance their appearance.
Jan Ebling – stock.adobe.com
It's used to color the peels of oranges, particularly those grown in Florida, that are not intended for processing.
Citrus Red No. 2 is not allowed on the edible parts of oranges — like the pulp or flesh — and it's banned for citrus grown in California and Arizona. It can cause cancer in rats and mice.
Green 3
The artificial green dye, called Fast Green FCF, is produced through chemical synthesis. It's not as widely used as the other food dyes, but it can be found in processed foods like canned peas and sherbet.
Banned in Europe, the additive has been linked to a significant increase in bladder tumors in rats.
Orange B
Advertisement
7 Orange B use in the US is limited to hot dog and sausage casings.
Getty Images
The color additive is only permitted for use in hot dog and sausage casings. In high doses, it can damage the liver and bile duct.
Red dye 40
Red 40, aka Allura Red AC, gives red color to products like Kool-Aid, Starburst and NyQuil.
Studies suggest that the dye may increase hyperactivity and irritability in children, especially if they have ADHD, and trigger allergic reactions in others.
Yellow No. 5
Advertisement
7 Mountain Dew gets its neonish hue from Yellow No. 5.
gubernat – stock.adobe.com
Commonly known as tartrazine, Yellow No. 5 can be found in brightly colored sodas like Mountain Dew and processed snacks like Twinkies.
Some research has warned that it can damage DNA, cause inflammation and increase hyperactivity in children. It is known to cause allergic reactions.
Yellow No. 6
Advertisement
7 Lucky Charms contains Yellow No. 6, as well as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1.
Getty Images
Yellow No. 6, or Sunset Yellow FCF, imparts a vibrant yellow-orange hue to Airheads, Jolly Ranchers, Lucky Charms and other processed foods.
It can be contaminated with the carcinogen benzidine during the manufacturing process. Studies have linked Yellow No. 6 to neurobehavioral issues in children as well as allergic reactions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Baby swabs and nasal swabs recalled for possible fungus in swab parts
Swabs for teething babies and adult noses have been recalled because they might have a microbial contamination 'identified as fungi in cotton swab components.' That's what manufacturer Church & Dwight said in its notice announcing the recall of Orajel Baby Teething Swabs, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs from stores across the United States, including Puerto Rico. The lots and expiration dates involved? All. READ MORE: Recalled UTI drug could have deadly microbial contamination Swabs with a microbial contamination can cause 'serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injurie,' the recall notice states. 'The risk is highest (potentially severe or life-threatening) among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions.' ▪ Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs carry UPC No. 732216301205. ▪ Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, which were discontinued in December, carry UPC No. 732216301656. ▪ Orajel baby swabs carry UPC No. 310310400002. If you have the swabs, throw them in the trash or, for a refund, reach out go Church & Dwight either online or by calling 800-981-4710. Questions can be directed to that phone number, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you think you or your baby is having a medical issue caused by these swabs, go see a medical professional. Then, notify the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Program, either by filling out a form online or by requesting a reporting form at 800-332-1088. Then, third, call Church & Dwight.
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
Simple tool could detect Parkinson's disease early — it was 96% accurate in experiments
This pen truly is mightier than the sword. A team of researchers at UCLA has developed a high-tech diagnostic pen that can detect signs of Parkinson's disease with over 96% accuracy, offering a low-cost way to identify the neurodegenerative disorder far earlier than now. A pilot study in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering unveiled the device, which looks much like a regular pen. 3 A patient with PD using the diagnostic pen for a writing task. Nature Chemical Engineering It's able pick up on subtle motor dysfunctions before they're visible to the naked eye, all by analyzing how people write. So, how does this futuristic fountain pen work? The tip is made of a flexible silicone material infused with magnetic particles, and it writes using a special ferrofluid ink that contains nanomagnets. As someone writes, pressure from the hand deforms the tip, causing changes in magnetic fields that produce electrical signals — like a Morse code of motor function. Those signals are then analyzed to detect the difference between healthy and Parkinson's-affected motor patterns. In tests with 16 participants — including 3 with Parkinson's — the system nailed the diagnosis with 96.22% accuracy. Even more impressive? The pen worked whether people wrote on paper or in the air, meaning it doesn't even require a surface. 3 Nature Chemical Engineering Today, Parkinson's is largely diagnosed based on observations, which are subjective, or by biomarker-based imaging, which can be expensive. This diagnostic pen is portable, inexpensive and doesn't rely on a neurologist to interpret results, making it a promising option for remote screenings, home use or even telehealth checkups. 'Our development of the diagnostic pen represents a low-cost, widely disseminable and reliable technology with the potential to improve PD diagnostics across large populations and resource-limited areas,' the researchers wrote. With further validation in a larger population, the device could be used not just for early diagnosis, but for ongoing symptom tracking and personalized treatment monitoring. 3 Today, Parkinson's is largely diagnosed based on observations, which are subjective, or by biomarker-based imaging, which can be expensive. highwaystarz – This is just the latest innovation aimed at tackling Parkinson's disease, which affects more than 10 million people worldwide and has no known cure. A recent study found that psilocybin — the psychedelic compound that gave 'magic mushrooms' their trippy reputation in the 1960s — showed serious promise for improving mood and motor function in people with Parkinson's disease. Tavapadon — a new drug that mimics dopamine by targeting certain receptors — has also shown promise in clinical trials by reducing motor fluctuations and maintaining symptom control with fewer side effects than traditional therapies. Produodopa — a continuous infusion therapy first administered in the UK — was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration last fall. Innovative approaches targeting the psychological aspects of the disease have been successful as well — with tandem cycling proving to be especially popular. Some New Yorkers even find relief by playing pingpong.
Miami Herald
5 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Salmonella recall of 20 million eggs from Walmart, Safeway, Ralphs, among others
Another salmonella outbreak caused the recall of 1.7 million dozen eggs — meaning roughly more than 20 million less eggs to fry — and has sickened people in seven states. The aforementioned eggs were distributed to Walmart, Safeway, chains owned by Kroger and various other independent and chain supermarkets. Hilmar, California's August Egg Company, a division of Gemperle Enterprises, produced the eggs and issued the recall Friday. 'August Egg Company is not selling fresh shell eggs at this time,' the company-written, FDA-posted recall notice said. 'Our firm has voluntarily been diverting eggs to an egg-breaking plant for over 30 days, which pasteurizes the eggs and kills any potential foodborne pathogens.' READ MORE: Public health alert: Deadly E. coli found in beef sent to Whole Foods stores What eggs have been recalled? Packaging for the recalled eggs will have plant code P-6562 or CA5330 with the Julian Dates between 32 to 126. The eggs that went to Walmart stores had sell by dates from March 4 through June 19. Other retailers got eggs with 'sell by dates' from March 4 through June 4. August Egg says these eggs went to stores in California, Washington, Illinois, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Indiana. The recall section of Walmart's website says this also involves its stores in Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin. ▪ Marketside (a Walmart store brand): Organic Large Cage Free Brown Eggs in cartons of 12 and 18; Large Cage Free Brown Eggs in cartons of 12 and 18. ▪ First Street (a Smart & Final house brand): Cage Free Large Brown loose eggs. ▪ Clover: Organic Large Brown Eggs, one dozen. ▪ Nulaid: One dozen Medium Brown Cage Free, one dozen Jumbo Brown Cage Free. ▪ O Organics: Cage Free Large Brown, six eggs; and Large Brown, 12 and 18 eggs. This brand will be found at Safeway and other Albertson's-owned stores. ▪ Raley's (store brand): Large Cage Free Brown, 12 eggs: Organic Large Cage Free Brown, 12 and 18 eggs. ▪ Simple Truth: Cage Free Large Brown and Medium Brown 18 eggs. This brand will be found at Food 4 Less, Ralphs and other Kroger-owned chains. ▪ Sun Harvest: Organic Large Cage Free Brown Eggs in cartons of 12 and 18. ▪ Sunnyside: Organic Large Cage Free Brown Eggs in cartons of 12 and 18; and Large Cage Free Brown Eggs in cartons of 12 and 18. What's up with the salmonella outbreak? Saturday's outbreak update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 79 people have been sickened in this outbreak with 21 hospitalizations. Of those 79, 63 are in California. The remaining 16 break down as Nevada and Washington (four each); Arizona, three; Nebraska and New Jersey (two each); and Kentucky, one. Salmonella outbreaks tend to be very undercounted because most people recover without medical attention. What is salmonella? The CDC estimates about 1.35 million people in the United States will get salmonella each year. Of that number, 26,400 will be hospitalized, usually driven to the hospital by bloody diarrhea, and 420 will die. Usually, salmonella just means a few days of diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomachaches. What you should do now If you have any of the recalled eggs listed above, return them to the store for a refund or throw them deep into the garbage. If you have any questions about the recalls, call August Farms at 800-710-2554, noon to 8 p.m., Eastern time.
