The FDA Food Dye Phaseout: What You Need to Know
The FDA has announced a phaseout of six petroleum-based artificial food dyes by the end of 2027. Here is what is changing, which dyes are affected, and what it means for the food you buy.
Health Information Notice
This guide explains regulatory actions on food dyes for informational purposes only. It is not medical or dietary advice. For concerns about specific dyes and your health, consult a healthcare professional.
Background: Why Food Dyes Are Under Scrutiny
Petroleum-based synthetic food dyes have been used in the United States since the early 20th century. They provide bright, consistent colors at low cost. However, scientific evidence linking these dyes to behavioral effects in children — particularly hyperactivity and attention difficulties — has accumulated over decades.
The European Union took early action, requiring warning labels since 2010 on foods containing six synthetic dyes linked to the 2007 McCann study. This led many European manufacturers to voluntarily reformulate with natural alternatives, creating a transatlantic gap in food safety standards.
In the United States, states began acting independently. California's AB 418 (2023) was the first state law to ban specific food additives. Several other states followed with their own bills, creating a patchwork of state-level dye regulations that pressured the FDA to act at the federal level.
Red 3 (Erythrosine) — Already Banned
Red 3 was banned by the FDA in January 2025 after a decades-long delay. Animal studies showed it caused thyroid cancer in rats. The FDA had known since 1990 but did not act until California's state ban and mounting public pressure forced the issue.
View Red 3 detail page →The Six Dyes Being Phased Out
The FDA's phaseout targets six petroleum-based color additives still widely used in processed foods, beverages, candy, cereals, and cosmetics. All six are synthetic azo dyes or triphenylmethane dyes derived from petroleum.
Common uses: Candy, beverages, ice cream, canned peas
Concerns: Generally considered lower risk than red/yellow dyes, but FDA phaseout announced by 2027.
Common uses: Candy, baked goods, cereal
Concerns: FDA phaseout planned by 2027.
Common uses: Candy, beverages (rarely used)
Concerns: Banned in the EU. Some animal studies show potential tumor growth.
Common uses: Beverages, candy, cereal, snacks, condiments
Concerns: Studies link to hyperactivity in children. FDA phaseout announced by end of 2027.
Common uses: Mac and cheese, sports drinks, candy, cereal, pickles
Concerns: May cause allergic reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals. Linked to hyperactivity in children.
Common uses: Orange soda, gelatin desserts, candy, sauces
Concerns: Associated with hyperactivity in children. Allergic reactions reported.
State-Level Bans and Regulations
Before the FDA's federal phaseout announcement, several states took independent action against food dyes. This state-level momentum was a key factor in pushing the FDA toward federal regulation.
| State | Dyes Affected | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Proposed Ban |
| California | Red 3 (Erythrosine), Red 40 (Allura Red), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow) | BannedWarning Required |
| Colorado | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Proposed Ban |
| Illinois | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Banned |
| Minnesota | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Proposed Ban |
| New Jersey | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Proposed Ban |
| New York | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Banned |
| Texas | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Proposed Ban |
| Washington | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Banned |
| West Virginia | Red 3 (Erythrosine) | Banned |
Timeline of Key Regulatory Actions
- 2007 — UK McCann study links artificial dyes to hyperactivity in children
- 2010 — EU requires warning labels on foods with six synthetic dyes
- 2023 — California passes AB 418, banning Red 3, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben in food
- 2024 — Multiple states introduce food dye ban bills; FDA bans brominated vegetable oil
- 2025 — FDA bans Red 3 (Erythrosine) effective January 2025
- 2025 — FDA announces phaseout of six remaining petroleum-based dyes
- 2027 — Target date for complete removal of targeted dyes from the food supply
Natural Alternatives
Manufacturers are increasingly turning to natural color alternatives that are already widely used in European markets. These plant-based and mineral-based colorings achieve similar visual effects without the health concerns associated with petroleum-based dyes:
- Reds and pinks: Beet juice (betanin), carmine, lycopene
- Yellows and oranges: Turmeric (curcumin), annatto, paprika extract, beta-carotene
- Blues and greens: Spirulina extract, chlorophyll
- Browns: Caramel color
Products Most Affected
The dye phaseout will have the most visible impact on products that rely on bright, artificial colors:
- Candy and confections — Skittles, M&M's, gummy bears, hard candies, and marshmallows
- Cereals — Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, and similar colored cereals
- Beverages — Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade), sodas, juice drinks, and energy drinks
- Snack foods — Flavored chips (Doritos, Cheetos), crackers, and cheese-flavored snacks
- Baked goods — Frosted cakes, cookies, pastries, and decorating icings
- Dairy products — Flavored yogurts, ice cream, and puddings
Many major brands have already begun reformulating. Several large food companies committed to removing artificial dyes from their US products in response to both consumer demand and the regulatory landscape.
What Consumers Can Do Now
While the phaseout proceeds, consumers who want to avoid petroleum-based dyes can take several practical steps:
- Use the PlainIngredients Label Checker to scan ingredient lists for these dyes
- Look for products labeled "No Artificial Colors" or "Colored with Fruit and Vegetable Juice"
- Check each ingredient's detail page on PlainIngredients for FDA and state regulatory status
- Compare products on our Rankings page to find safer alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Which food dyes is the FDA phasing out?
The FDA announced a phaseout of six petroleum-based synthetic dyes: Red 40 (Allura Red), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow), Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue), Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine), and Green 3 (Fast Green). Red 3 (Erythrosine) was already banned separately in January 2025 due to cancer findings in animal studies.
When does the food dye ban take effect?
The FDA announced a phaseout timeline with full removal by the end of 2027. Manufacturers have been given time to reformulate products and transition to natural color alternatives. Some products may begin removing these dyes before the deadline.
Why are these dyes being banned?
Growing scientific evidence links petroleum-based food dyes to behavioral effects in children, including hyperactivity and attention problems. The 2007 McCann study in the UK found that a mixture of artificial dyes increased hyperactivity in children. Multiple US states passed their own bans before the federal action, and consumer pressure intensified after the EU required warning labels on products containing these dyes.
What will replace artificial food dyes?
Food manufacturers are reformulating with natural color alternatives: beet juice (red), turmeric and annatto (yellow/orange), spirulina extract (blue/green), paprika extract (orange), and caramel color (brown). These natural alternatives are already widely used in European markets where artificial dyes carry warning labels.
Are natural food dyes safer?
Natural food colorings generally have better safety profiles and fewer associated health concerns than petroleum-based synthetic dyes. However, "natural" does not automatically mean risk-free — carmine (from cochineal insects) can cause allergic reactions in some people, and some natural colors have usage limits. Each colorant should be evaluated individually.
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