Food Dyes and Coloring: A Research-Based Guide to Every FDA-Approved Color

The Scale of Food Dye Use

The FDA currently certifies nine synthetic color additives (colloquially "food dyes") for use in food in the United States. Certified color production has increased dramatically — from approximately 12 million pounds in 1950 to over 36 million pounds annually today, a reflection of the expansion of ultra-processed food production. These dyes appear in thousands of products, from obvious candidates (candy, cereal, sports drinks) to less expected ones (pickles, maraschino cherries, smoked salmon, some medications).

The Nine FDA-Certified Synthetic Dyes

Red 40 (Allura Red AC)

The most widely used food dye in the US. Derived from petroleum. Used in candy, cereal, beverages, baked goods, and gelatins. One of the six dyes implicated in the Southampton study on childhood hyperactivity. The EU requires a warning label on products containing Red 40 (in combination with other dyes and sodium benzoate): "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." Some animal studies have raised genotoxicity concerns; FDA maintains it is safe at current use levels.

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

Second most used food dye. Lemon-yellow color derived from coal tar. Used in candy, pickles, cereal, chips, and beverages. One of the Southampton six. Additionally, tartrazine is the most commonly reported dye associated with allergic reactions, including urticaria (hives) and asthma exacerbation — particularly in people with aspirin sensitivity, as tartrazine and aspirin can cross-react immunologically. Estimated 1 in 10,000 people have significant tartrazine sensitivity.

Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)

Orange-yellow dye. Used in candy, cereals, beverages, and sauces. One of the Southampton six. Contamination with known carcinogens (benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl) has been found in commercial batches at low levels. The FDA requires purification standards, but some consumer advocacy groups argue stricter limits are warranted.

Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)

Bright blue dye used in beverages, candy, icings, and some dairy products. Generally considered one of the safer synthetic dyes. Low absorption from the gut — most passes through unabsorbed. Occasional reports of blue urine or skin discoloration at very high doses. The concern about intravenous Blue 1 in tube-fed patients causing death from blue discoloration syndrome is real but irrelevant to typical dietary consumption.

Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine)

Dark blue dye with limited use in US food products (primarily cherries, some candy). Animal studies at high doses showed increased brain tumors, though the significance to human dietary exposure is considered low by regulatory bodies. Not one of the Southampton six.

Green 3 (Fast Green FCF)

Used in mint-flavored products, canned peas, and some vegetables. High doses in animal studies produced bladder and testes tumors; FDA maintains current use levels are safe. Rarely used compared to Red 40 or Yellow 5.

Red 3 (Erythrosine)

The most controversial of the FDA-approved dyes. A 1990 study found that high doses caused thyroid tumors in male rats. The FDA actually banned Red 3 from externally-applied drugs and cosmetics in 1990 on the basis of this evidence — but left it legal in food under the "Delaney clause" interpretation controversy. In January 2025, FDA revoked authorization for Red 3 in food, citing the rat study, with a compliance deadline of January 2027 for most foods. This is a significant regulatory development worth monitoring if you consume maraschino cherries, canned fruits, or candied goods regularly.

Orange B

Restricted to use in hot dog and sausage casings only. Rarely discussed; limited use. No significant safety concerns at permitted use levels.

Citrus Red 2

Used only on the skin of some oranges to enhance orange color. Carcinogenic in animal studies; classified as Group 2B by IARC. However, because it's applied to peel rather than flesh, and only to Florida-grown oranges with specific labeling, consumer exposure is very low for most people who don't eat orange peel.

The Southampton Study: What It Actually Found

The 2007 McCann et al. study in The Lancet was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 153 3-year-olds and 144 8/9-year-olds. Children consumed a drink containing either sodium benzoate plus a mixture of six dyes (Sunset Yellow, Carmoisine, Tartrazine, Ponceau 4R, Quinoline Yellow, Allura Red) or a placebo. The dye/benzoate combination produced measurable increases in hyperactivity behavior measured by teacher and parent ratings and computerized attention tasks.

The effect size was small to moderate — not strong enough to cause ADHD in normal children, but potentially meaningful for children who are already near diagnostic thresholds. The combination (not individual dyes) was tested, making it impossible to attribute the effect to any single component.

Natural Color Alternatives

The Bottom Line

Red 3 is being phased out (compliance by 2027). The Southampton six dyes warrant particular caution for parents of children with ADHD or hyperactivity. For most healthy adults, occasional exposure to synthetic dyes is not a demonstrated health risk at typical intake levels — but given the availability of natural alternatives and the precautionary evidence on some dyes, preferring products colored with natural sources is a reasonable choice. Check individual dye profiles in our ingredient database and use the comparison tool to find dye-free alternatives in any product category.