While many food colors are approved, some, like FD&C Red No. 3, are banned in the U.S. due to cancer concerns, with plans to phase out others (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3) by 2027, while certain dyes like Sudan dyes, Methyl Yellow, and Rhodamine B are generally illegal globally due to toxicity, often used illegally in food. Regulations vary by country, but the trend is away from synthetic dyes linked to hyperactivity or cancer, towards natural alternatives, notes Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
In April 2025, the FDA announced plans to phase out Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 before 2027.
"Red 40 is considered somewhat healthier than Red Dye No. 3 because no carcinogenic concerns have been raised about it," says Vanessa Rissetto, R.D., co-founder of the virtual nutrition care service Culina Health. "However, the use and effects of these food dyes have not been rigorously evaluated in years."
For instance, in some regions of Australia and New Zealand, Red 40 is subject to stringent regulations, though not completely banned. These countries have implemented rigorous testing and labeling requirements to mitigate potential health risks.
Tartrazine is a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as a food coloring. It is also known as E number E102, C.I.
In extreme cases E 160c may irritate the eyes and even cause temporary blindness. Eating vast quantities may reduce the effectiveness of taste buds. However, this natural colouring is generally considered safe in food products approved by the EU, but is banned in Australia.
Tartrazine (FD&C yellow #5, E102) [see table] Tartrazine is a synthetic food colorant classified as an azo dye. It is lemon yellow in color and water soluble. Tartrazine is approved for use as a food colorant in the EU, USA, Canada, and other parts of the world for use in food, cosmetics, and medications.
For example, while Gatorade in the U.S. contains Red Dye 40, in Australia and Europe, they use natural coloring from ingredients like carrot and sweet potato.
From 1946 to 2021, it was illegal in Western Australia to drive a car with more than 50 kg of potatoes in it. Not totally true. However, as the Potato Marketing Corporation controlled supply, it was illegal to buy, sell or even possess more than 50kg ... and this is the important qualifier ... WITHOUT A LICENCE!
Artificial colours
Some other colours to avoid include, Colour 122, which can cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children. Colour 124, banned as a cancer-causing chemical.
Here are some examples of drinks that kids drink on regular basis that contain red dye #40: Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Seven Up, Gatorade, Hawaiian Punch, and Pepsi.
Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and there is evidence that several other dyes also are carcinogenic. Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens.
Our iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup has never had artificial dyes – the red color comes simply from the world's best tomatoes.
Doritos owner PepsiCo just announced it's removing synthetic petroleum-based dyes (namely Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6) from their nacho cheese flavor used in their Doritos recipe.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
Erythrosine alters the peripheral metabolism of T4. Inhibition of 5′-deiodinase in the liver and kidney by erythrosine causes lower circulating T3 levels. This results in accumulation of inactive reverse T3.
Australia has several weird laws, but some of the strangest include laws against wearing hot pink hot pants after midday on Sunday (Victoria), flying kites to annoy people (Victoria), or cleaning up seabird droppings without a license (WA). Other oddities are taxi cabs carrying hay (QLD), the strict rules around potatoes (WA until recently), and the ban on "no questions asked" reward ads.
Australia is now the fourth country in the world to approve cell cultured meat. The gazetted changes did more than approve this innovative food: the Code was also amended to lay out a clearer path for cell-cultured foods created from growing animal and plant cells in a controlled environment moving forward.
While most electrical work must be performed by a licensed professional, there are some minor tasks you can legally undertake yourself: Changing a light bulb. Fitting an electric wall oven but not connecting it. Installing a battery into a battery operated smoke alarm/detector.
The European Union (EU) also regulates the use of Red 40, which is referred to as E129 or Allura Red AC.
Frito-Lay has officially removed the red artificial dye from Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The updated version is now hitting stores across the U.S. with the same heat and flavor, but without synthetic dyes — giving the snack a more natural yellow-orange color instead.
What is red dye #3 found in?
Food colouring and flavouring can be found in practically any processed product, particularly fast food and snacks. Processed foods with these added colours and flavourings are halal, however, they are not thayyiban for several reasons.
The original nacho cheese-flavored Doritos contain the artificial colors Yellow 6, Yellow 5 and Red 40. The Cool Ranch option has Blue 1, Red 40 and Yellow 5. Other varieties contain other artificial dyes, according to the Doritos website.
40, Yellow No. 5 or Yellow No. 6 – which account for 90 percent of food dyes used in the U.S. – are especially linked to those health effects. The EU requires any food products containing these three dyes to have a warning label that reads “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”