Earlier this year, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on food dye Red No. 3, commonly found in candy, baked goods, gummy vitamins, and cereal products. Subsequently, states like Arizona, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia passed laws banning other synthetic food dyes in schools. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced further plans to ban dyes including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. These dyes are not limited to candy or snacks but also appear in produce, dairy, meat, and other surprising products. Senior nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, advises focusing on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, quality sleep, and access to healthy foods rather than solely avoiding food dyes. Here are ten foods that will look different without these dyes: cereals, salad dressing, sausage, oranges, canned vegetables, preserved fruit, yogurt, drink mixes and electrolyte drinks, seasonings, and condiments and sauces. While there is limited research on the health effects of food dyes, there is no significant data showing harm. Ball emphasizes increasing access to healthy foods for all as a more impactful health policy than avoiding food dyes.
— new from EatingWell
