Fd

Food dyes are substances added to food products to impart or enhance color. Synthetic food dyes are typically manufactured chemicals, often derived from petroleum.

Manufacturers use food dyes to make foods more visually appealing, to replace color lost during processing, or to provide a consistent color. They are commonly found in products like candy, baked goods, beverages, and sauces.

In the US, food dyes are regulated by the FDA as color additives. The FDA revoked Red 3 for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies have different conclusions. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many individual food dyes, with EFSA concluding in 2021 that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, leading to its ban in the EU, though it remains permitted by the FDA.