Maryam Yuhas, a Syracuse University Falk College of Sport Nutrition professor and registered dietitian, has new information about synthetic food dyes as people set healthier eating goals for 2026. She explains the current scientific concerns about these additives.
Dyes such as Red Dye 40, Yellow 5 and 6, and Red Dye 3 are petroleum-based colorings that manufacturers add to many foods to make them look more appealing. Major companies now have until 2027-28 to phase these ingredients out following FDA guidance.
Yuhas says food dyes are not toxic immediately, but scientists worry about longer-term neurodevelopmental and behavioral effects in children. Research shows a genetic component: not all children react, but enough do that some countries have banned these ingredients. She also warns that removing artificial colour can bring tradeoffs, because companies might add sugar and fat when they reformulate products.
The dyes are common in ultra-processed items that tend to cluster in low-income communities, which could increase exposure for some groups. Yuhas advises focusing on overall diet quality—pay attention to sugar, saturated fats, protein and fibre—and notes it is unclear how quickly companies will complete reformulation or what replacements they will use.
Difficult words
- additive — A substance used in food to give colour.additives
- petroleum-based — Made from oil or fossil fuel resources.
- neurodevelopmental — Related to how the brain grows and develops.
- genetic — Connected to genes passed from parents to children.
- reformulate — To change a product's recipe or ingredients.
- ultra-processed — Highly industrially made food with many added ingredients.
- exposure — Being in contact with a chemical or substance.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- If a child in your family showed behaviour changes, would you check food labels for artificial dyes? Why or why not?
- What small changes could you make to focus on overall diet quality, as the article advises?
- Do you think companies should remove these dyes even if they might add sugar or fat later? Explain your view.
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