Food dye can come from natural and artificial sources. Food dye from artificial sources has been linked to health concerns like cancer risk, as well as hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children. This research is ongoing.
Foods that include dye are considered ultra. Food dyes are artificial chemicals added to foods in order to change their color. This article looks at the research behind their effects on your health.
Abstract Background: Food dyes, synthesized originally from coal tar and now petroleum, have long been controversial because of safety concerns. Many dyes have been banned because of their adverse effects on laboratory animals or inadequate testing. Even so, says Schab, this isn't the most compelling reason to give up food dyes.
"Foods with dyes are often riddled with other nutritional problems, like excess calories and fat," says Schab, who points out that childhood obesity is a far greater public health concern. Bottom Line: If you're concerned, ditch the potentially dangerous synthetic. Synthetic food dyes and cancer Although none of the FDA-approved synthetic food colors are classified as carcinogens, currently available research points to potential health risks I and others find concerning.
For example, the bacteria in your gut can break down synthetic dyes into molecules that are known to cause cancer. The MAHA report called out health risks in kids associated with food dyes. But the connection isn't that clearcut, experts say.
Synthetic food dyes-also called food coloring or artificial color-are commonly used in food and drinks, but they can cause health problems. Here's what to know. What are the health risks of food dyes? Acri says there are two main health concerns when it comes to food dyes.
The first is the cancer risk found in lab rats who ingested Red No. 3 and the second is a potential link between dyes and hyperactivity in children. All the health risks of the 8 food dyes the FDA is banning - including cancer and behavioral issues By Tracy Swartz Published April 22, 2025, 5:06 p.m.
ET. Over 35 years after the first study linking the artificial food dye Red 3 to thyroid cancer in rats was published, the U.S. is beginning to phase it out of foods and drugs.