Artificial Food Dyes Reference Guide
Quick reference for common synthetic food dyes with health concerns and global bans
Red 40
E129
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Petroleum byproducts
Common Uses:
Candy, soda, snacks, cosmetics
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Hyperactivity in children
Allergic reactions
Migraines
Potential carcinogen
đ Banned/Restricted In
Switzerland
Carcinogenicity concerns
European Union
Warning label required
United Kingdom
Voluntary removal by brands
Red 3
E127
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Fluorescein, iodine
Common Uses:
Maraschino cherries, candy, popsicles
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Thyroid tumors
Hyperactivity
Chromosomal damage
đ Banned/Restricted In
Norway
Thyroid cancer risk
European Union
Restricted in foods
United States
Banned in cosmetics
Yellow 5
E102
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Coal tar derivatives
Common Uses:
Chips, cereals, sodas, desserts
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Hyperactivity
Asthma
Skin rashes
Insomnia
đ Banned/Restricted In
Norway
Hyperactivity concerns
Austria
Allergic reactions
European Union
Warning label required
Yellow 6
E110
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Petroleum distillates
Common Uses:
Cheese, sauces, baked goods
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Hyperactivity
Allergies
Tumors in animals
Potential carcinogen
đ Banned/Restricted In
Norway
Hyperactivity concerns
Finland
Allergic reactions
European Union
Warning label required
Blue 1
E133
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Coal tar derivatives
Common Uses:
Ice cream, drinks, processed peas
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Allergic reactions
Hyperactivity
Potential neurotoxin
đ Banned/Restricted In
Finland
Hyperactivity concerns
France
Previously banned
European Union
Warning label required
Blue 2
E132
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Coal tar, petroleum
Common Uses:
Beverages, candy, ice cream
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Allergies
Nausea
Hyperactivity
Brain tumors in animals
đ Banned/Restricted In
Norway
Hyperactivity concerns
Green 3
E143
âšī¸ Basic Information
Source:
Coal tar derivatives
Common Uses:
Candy, beverages, canned peas
â ī¸ Health Concerns
Allergies
Bladder tumors
Potential carcinogen
đ Banned/Restricted In
European Union
Severely restricted
Japan
Carcinogen concerns
Norway
Carcinogen concerns
Reference Guide
Red Dyes
Yellow Dyes
Blue Dyes
Green Dyes
High Risk
More serious health concerns
Additional Resources & Articles
Scientific Study
(FDA)
(FDA)
FDA Food Dye Safety Review
Comprehensive FDA assessment of artificial food dyes and their potential health impacts.
Read MoreResearch Paper
(The Lancet)
(The Lancet)
Food Dyes and Childhood Hyperactivity
Lancet-published study examining the connection between artificial colors and ADHD symptoms.
Read MoreRegulatory Guide
(EFSA)
(EFSA)
EU Food Additive Regulations
European Food Safety Authority guidelines on permitted food dyes and warning requirements.
Read MoreConsumer Guide
(Center for Science in the Public Interest)
(Center for Science in the Public Interest)
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Non-profit organization’s comprehensive guide to food dye safety and alternatives.
Read MoreAcademic Review
(PubMed Central)
(PubMed Central)
Toxicology of Synthetic Food Colors
Review of toxicological data on common food dyes and their metabolic effects.
Read MoreConsumer Resource
(healthline.com)
(healthline.com)
Natural Alternatives to Artificial Dyes
Guide to plant-based food coloring options and how to use them in cooking.
Read More