Food dyes–especially red dye No. 3, also known as FD&C Red No. 3—have been in the news a lot lately. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned red dye No. 3, a synthetic food dye, because research shows that it can cause cancer in rats that are exposed to high levels. There are also concerns that red dye No. 3, which is present in many foods dyed red, may impact behavior in humans.
We sat down with Anna Bisogno Papa, MS, RD, LDN, and Hilary Kearney, RD, LDN, of Sheppard Pratt’s Center for Eating Disorders to learn more about how food dyes may be correlated with mental health.
What is food dye and why is it used?
Food dyes, or food coloring, are chemicals that are used to add color to the food you eat. Food dyes are often added to processed foods and drinks. Food manufacturers will add food dye to food to make it look “better” or improve its appearance.
What is a synthetic food dye?
Synthetic food dyes are food dyes that do not occur in nature. They are made using petroleum-derived chemicals, which are made from oil and natural gas. Red dye No. 3 is made from petroleum.
Who makes sure food dyes are safe to consume?
Food dyes are regulated by the FDA. According to the Delaney Clause, part of the Color Additives Amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), FDA authorization of a food or color additive is not permitted if the food or color additive is found to be correlated with cancer in either humans or animals.
Is there a correlation between synthetic food dyes and mental health?
Nothing has been proven when it comes to synthetic food dyes and mental health. Some research studies have shown a potential link between synthetic food dyes and mental health. For example, synthetic food dyes might be correlated with hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in children, such as kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What kinds of behavior changes do people experience after ingesting synthetic food dyes?
Some research has found a correlation between mood changes, irritability, hyperactivity, and restlessness in children and synthetic food dyes.
That said, many foods and drinks with synthetic food dyes also contain sugar and other food components that could be related to behavior changes. In addition, many of these research studies were conducted many years ago. So, we can’t conclude whether behavioral changes are directly related to consuming synthetic food dyes.
How and why do synthetic food dyes impact someone’s mental health or behavior?
Research suggests that synthetic food dyes might influence mental health and behavior, but how that works isn’t fully understood. One idea is that food dyes are linked to neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters food dyes might be associated with include:
- Dopamine: this is a neurotransmitter in your brain that is linked to functions like mood, memory, and movement.
- Histamine: this is a chemical in your body associated with allergic reactions, cognitive function, and your sleep-wake cycle. You may be familiar with antihistamine medications that can help ease allergy symptoms.
Should I let my child ingest foods with synthetic food dyes?
As eating disorder dietitians, we emphasize the importance of allowing all foods in your child’s diet. And we discourage categorizing foods as “good” or “bad.” Whether or not you allow your child to have foods with synthetic dyes should be based on what you’re comfortable with. It can also be helpful to talk to your child’s pediatrician or other medical team members about your questions and concerns.
What foods contain artificial food dyes?
Lots of foods contain artificial food dyes. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, foods like M&Ms, Skittles, Gatorade, Powerade, and many more contain artificial food dyes.
While food being a bright color is often a sign that the food has artificial food dyes, you can’t determine if a food contains artificial food dye just by looking at it. Make sure to read the ingredient list on the food label.
If I want to look out for food dyes, what should I look for on an ingredient label?
If you’re looking out for red dye No. 3 on an ingredient label, look for: “FD&C Red No. 3,” “FD&C Red 3,” or “Red 3.”
Food manufacturers have until January 2027 to stop using red dye No. 3 and drug manufacturers have until January 2028. So, if you’re cautious about you or your child ingesting it, keep an eye on ingredient labels until then.