Big news if you’re the kind of person who checks ingredient labels (or just likes knowing what’s in your kids’ candy): the FDA food dye ban is officially happening. Eight artificial food dyes, many of them made from petroleum (yes, oil!), are getting the boot. 

Cancer, Hyperactivity & More: The Real Risks of Banned Food Dyes​

These dyes have long been linked to food dye health risks, including cancer and behavioral effects in children, and now the Food and Drug Administration is saying enough is enough.

Together, let’s break down what’s getting banned, why it matters, and how it’ll change what ends up in your lunchbox or snack drawer.

Blue No. 1 | Bright Blue, Murky Science

Also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, Blue No. 1 is what gives M&M’s and Takis that electric blue color. But behind the scenes, it's a different story. 

A mouse study raised red flags about a possible connection to kidney tumors. There’s also early lab evidence that it could damage nerve cells – not exactly a feel-good food coloring.

Blue No. 2 | Not So Indigo-go

Blue No. 2 (a.k.a. indigo carmine) shows up in snacks like Skittles and blueberry Pop-Tarts. It mimics natural indigo dye, but don’t let that fool you – it’s fully synthetic. Research on rats has linked it to brain tumors, particularly gliomas in males. Yikes.

Citrus Red No. 2 | Forbidden Fruit Peel

This dye is used on orange peels, not the pulp, to make the fruit look more appealing. It’s banned in California and Arizona but allowed on Florida-grown fruit. The big issue? Animal studies show it can cause cancer. The FDA food dye ban will be putting this one on the chopping block soon.

Green No. 3 | The Not-So-Green Option

Also known as Fast Green FCF, this colorant is made through chemical synthesis and shows up in foods like canned peas and sherbet. But, it's been banned in Europe for years due to concerns over bladder tumors in lab rats. America is just catching up now.

Orange B | Hot Dogs Get a Makeover

This one’s a bit niche. It’s only allowed in hot dog and sausage casings. Still, when consumed in high doses, Orange B has been linked to liver and bile duct damage – not exactly what you want with your ballpark frank.

Red Dye 40 | The Childhood Classic with a Catch

Found in everything from Kool-Aid, to Starburst, to NyQuil, Red Dye 40 (a.k.a. Allura Red AC) is one of the most common artificial food coloring agents out there. 

Unfortunately, studies have shown it may ramp up hyperactivity in children, especially those with ADHD, and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive folks. That’s a big red flag.

Yellow No. 5 | Not So Sunny After All

This one goes by the name tartrazine and is commonly found in sodas and snack cakes. While it makes food pop visually, Yellow No. 5 has been tied to DNA damage, inflammation, and – you guessed it – behavioral effects in children. Plus, it’s known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

Yellow No. 6 | Orange Tint, Serious Concerns

Also called Sunset Yellow FCF, Yellow No. 6 is used in candies like Jolly Ranchers and cereals like Lucky Charms. It can be contaminated with benzidine, a known cancer-causing dye, during manufacturing. Studies have also linked it to neurobehavioral issues and allergies.

The End of the Rainbow?

The banned food additives on this list have been around for decades, often flying under the radar. But now, with growing pressure from scientists, parents, and advocacy groups, the FDA food dye ban is taking a strong stand. Red No. 3 is already on a phase-out timeline, and the rest will follow by the end of 2026.

For food companies, this means big changes. For consumers? It’s a win for health, transparency, and a food system that doesn’t rely on petrochemicals to look appetizing.

The next time we reach for that brightly colored snack, we might just find it’s looking a little more natural – and a whole lot safer.