Skip to content
Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
  • DIYExpand
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
    • Crafts & Projects
    • Home Improvement
  • Money MattersExpand
    • Make More Money
    • Spend Less Money
    • Manage Money Better
    • Reviews & Recommendations
    • Get Free Stuff
  • Eat WellExpand
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Food Talk
  • Live LifeExpand
    • Health & Beauty
    • Cloth Diapering
    • Family And Relationships
    • Holidays & Gifts
  • Travel TipsExpand
    • Destinations
    • Attractions
    • Travel Hacks
  • About
  • Subscribe
Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
ByChaChingQueen Updated onJanuary 10, 2025 Reading Time: 12 minutes
Home » Galleries » FDA Racing to Beat Trump and RFK: 18 Foods Facing Bans Over Dangerous Dyes

FDA Racing to Beat Trump and RFK: 18 Foods Facing Bans Over Dangerous Dyes

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.

Share with your friends!
FacebookPinterestMessengerWhatsAppEmailShareFlipboardRedditSMSX
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long been concerned about the safety of artificial food dyes, particularly those used to color food red. These synthetic additives are found in thousands of products across the country, making many foods look more vibrant and appealing. 

Despite their widespread use, recent concerns have emerged about the potential health risks linked to these dyes, especially for children. As a result, the FDA is reevaluating the safety of red food dyes and considering strict regulations or even a ban on certain types.

Recent research has brought to light troubling associations between these artificial dyes and various health issues, including potential links to cancer and behavioral problems. These findings have pushed the FDA to take a closer look at the impact of synthetic red dyes on consumer well-being. 

In this article, we will highlight some of the foods that could be affected by future regulations and bans. We will also discuss the types of red food dyes commonly used in products today and the potential risks they pose to health. 

By the end, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of why these dyes are under review and how they might impact your food choices moving forward. 

Table of Contents

  • Types of Red Food Dyes
  • Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)
  • Red No. 40 (Allura Red)
  • Carmoisine (Azorubine)
  • Ponceau 4R
  • Other Notable Dyes
  • 18 Foods That Might Be Banned Due to Red Dyes
  • Candies
  • Soft Drinks
  • Baked Goods
  • Ice Cream
  • Fruit Snacks
  • Jell-O Desserts
  • Popsicles 
  • Chewing Gum
  • Condiments
  • Pet Food
  • Breakfast Cereals
  • Processed Meats
  • Snack Foods
  • Fruit Roll-Ups
  • Cake Decorating Gels
  • Energy Drinks
  • Frozen Meals
  • Maraschino Cherries
  • Ensuring Safer Food Choices

Types of Red Food Dyes

Image Credit: iStock

Before discussing specific foods that may be impacted, it is important to first understand the different types of red dyes commonly used in food production. These dyes serve to enhance the visual appeal of products, but their safety has been a topic of growing concern for decades. 

Some dyes have been more controversial than others, with certain studies raising significant questions about their effects on health.

15 Foods That Could Disappear Under RFK Jr.’s Health Policies

Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)

Image Credit: iStock

Red No. 3 is a synthetic cherry-red dye often found in candies, popsicles, and cake-decorating gels. Its bright hue makes it a popular choice for creating eye-catching products. Studies have linked this dye to thyroid tumors in laboratory rats, raising concerns about its safety for humans. 

Although the FDA previously considered banning Red No. 3, the decision was overturned due to opposition from the food industry. While it is still approved for use in the United States, other countries such as Norway and Sweden have banned it due to potential health risks.

The Secrets Behind Food Labels: What Experts Say You’re Not Being Told

Red No. 40 (Allura Red)

A hand holds a spoon sprinkling red powder over a vibrant red-orange background with small round objects.

Red No. 40 is the most widely used red dye in the United States and is found in a wide variety of products, including soft drinks, candies, and baked goods. It is known for its ability to create vibrant and appealing colors. 

Health concerns tied to Red No. 40 include allergic reactions and possible links to hyperactivity in children. Although studies on its safety have produced mixed results, some European countries have taken a more cautious approach, banning its use in specific products. 

In the United States, it remains permitted under current guidelines.

29 Snacks That You Should Not Eat, Even Though They Taste Great

Carmoisine (Azorubine)

Image Credit: iStock

Carmoisine, also referred to as Azorubine, is a red azo dye often used in desserts, sauces, and other processed foods. Its striking color makes it a preferred choice for enhancing the appearance of food products. 

It has been associated with allergic reactions and possible carcinogenic effects, prompting questions about its safety. While approved for use in the European Union, Carmoisine is banned in the United States and Canada due to these concerns.

29 Foods You Should (Try To) Avoid After 70, Even Though You Love Them

Ponceau 4R

Image Credit: iStock

Ponceau 4R is a synthetic red dye frequently used in beverages and confectionery to create bright, appealing colors. Although it is widely used in many countries, it is banned in the United States. 

While generally considered safe within regulated limits, Ponceau 4R has been linked to allergic reactions in some individuals. These potential side effects have led to restrictions in certain regions where consumer safety standards are stricter.

Make America Healthy Again: 12 Changes Expected Under RFK Jr. at HHS 

Other Notable Dyes

Image Credit: iStock

Several other red dyes have also come under scrutiny for their potential health risks. Red 2G, for example, has been banned in the United States due to evidence suggesting carcinogenic properties but remains approved in some other regions. 

Lithol Rubin BK, another synthetic dye sometimes used for cheese coatings, has also been associated with health risks when consumed in high doses. These examples illustrate the ongoing debate over the safety of synthetic food dyes and the varying regulatory standards worldwide. 

While some regions adopt a precautionary approach, others continue to permit these dyes under regulated conditions. 

Forbidden Favorites: 17 Foods Americans Love That Are Illegal Elsewhere

18 Foods That Might Be Banned Due to Red Dyes

A shopping cart with yellow handles is in the foreground of a supermarket aisle filled with various dairy products and other groceries on shelves.

Now that we understand the types of red food dyes and their potential health risks, it is crucial to examine the everyday products where these additives are commonly found. These foods often use red dyes to enhance their visual appeal, making them more enticing to consumers. 

If the FDA decides to impose stricter regulations or bans, it could significantly impact the availability of these popular items. Below is a closer look at 18 foods that may be affected.

🙋‍♀️Groceries Are Expensive: 18 Cheap And Versatile Foods

https://youtu.be/naJJrRCPpQo?si=F-ceLZXUQwflmPJi

Candies

Close-up of various colorful jelly beans and sugared candies in bowls against a blue background.

Candies are one of the most common products containing red dyes, particularly Red No. 3 and Red No. 40. These dyes are used to create vibrant colors that make candies more appealing, especially to children. 

Popular treats such as gummy bears, jelly beans, and lollipops often rely on these synthetic additives. While their visual appeal is undeniable, growing health concerns have placed these colorful confections under scrutiny.

28 Foods Full of Microplastics: You Are Eating Plastic Without Knowing

Soft Drinks

A can of Mountain Dew sits on a dark surface against a gray background.

Soft Drinks frequently use red dyes to achieve eye-catching hues that attract consumers. Fruit-flavored sodas are prime examples, often containing Red No. 40 to enhance their bright and inviting appearance. 

These dyes play a significant role in shaping consumer perception of flavor intensity. With potential health risks now in the spotlight, such beverages could face stricter oversight.

Stop Eating These 19 Foods After You Turn 50 (Even If They Are Delicious)

Baked Goods

Baked Goods, including cake mixes and frostings, often incorporate synthetic red dyes to create visually stunning desserts. These additives are particularly popular during festive occasions, where colorful treats are in high demand. 

Despite their aesthetic benefits, the presence of Red No. 3 and Red No. 40 in baked goods has raised questions about the necessity of these additives in everyday foods.

26 Deliciously Easy Homemade Cake Recipes That They Are Sure to Love

Ice Cream

Ice Cream products, particularly those with flavors like strawberry or raspberry, sometimes include red dyes to enhance their color. These synthetic additives contribute to a more vibrant and appetizing appearance, influencing consumer choices. 

As the debate over red dyes intensifies, these frozen treats may come under greater regulatory scrutiny.

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Recipe. Make Ice Cream In A Bag (With Video!)

Fruit Snacks

Fruit Snacks marketed to children often rely on bright, bold colors achieved through the use of synthetic dyes such as Red No. 40. These eye-catching hues help make fruit snacks more appealing, masking the limited presence of real fruit content. 

Concerns about the impact of these dyes on children’s health have amplified calls for stricter labeling and regulation.

13 Really Healthy Foods That Most People Refuse To Eat

Jell-O Desserts

A multi-layered gelatin mold with colorful layers of red, orange, and white, garnished with a small mint leaf on a white plate. Festive lights in the background.

Jell-O Desserts, especially those with cherry or strawberry flavors, are another category where red dyes are commonly used. Red No. 3 is a frequent ingredient, giving these gelatin-based desserts their vivid and appealing colors. 

The popularity of these products, combined with health concerns, places them among the foods most likely to be affected by future FDA action.

Foods We Loved (But Left Behind): 24 Meals Americans Don’t Eat Anymore

Popsicles 

A variety of frozen fruit bars and popsicles, including brands like Popsicle, Outshine, GoodPop, and others in assorted flavors, are displayed in a grocery freezer.

Popsicles are known for their vibrant colors, often achieved through synthetic dyes. Flavors like cherry and raspberry, in particular, rely on Red No. 40 to enhance their visual appeal. 

As frozen treats are a favorite among children, the potential risks associated with these dyes have drawn considerable attention.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Chewing Gum

Close-up of a person putting a piece of chewing gum into their mouth using their fingers.

Chewing Gum is another everyday item that frequently uses synthetic dyes for its bright and varied colors. These additives not only make gum visually appealing but also help differentiate flavors. 

With increased awareness of the health risks, gum manufacturers may face new challenges in maintaining their product’s appeal without synthetic dyes. 

Dental Health: Tips To Keep Your Smile Healthy As You Age

Condiments

A Heinz tomato ketchup bottle is placed on a wooden table in a blurred indoor setting.

Condiments, such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings, often contain synthetic dyes to achieve consistent coloring. These additives enhance the visual appeal of sauces and condiments, making them more attractive on store shelves. 

Despite their aesthetic benefits, concerns over the necessity of these dyes in condiments have led to increased scrutiny from health advocates.

Save Money and Eat Healthier: 18 Pantry Staples to Make at Home

Pet Food

Image Credit: iStock

Pet Food is another surprising category where synthetic dyes are commonly used. Brightly colored kibble and treats are designed to appeal to pet owners rather than the animals themselves. 

While pets may not care about the color, these dyes raise questions about their potential impact on pet health and nutrition. Calls for more natural alternatives in pet products have been growing.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? The Cost of Owning A Pet

Breakfast Cereals

A bowl of colorful, ring-shaped cereal with a spoon on a pink background.

Breakfast Cereals, particularly those marketed to children, often rely on synthetic dyes to create vibrant, colorful pieces. These dyes enhance the appeal of cereals, making them more visually exciting. 

With the increasing focus on the health effects of food additives, these brightly colored breakfast options may face stricter oversight.

Healthy Breakfast Casserole Recipe (Paleo + Gluten Free)

Processed Meats

A stack of uncooked hot dogs on a silver platter is surrounded by rolled slices of deli meats.

Processed meats, including sausages and deli meats, sometimes use red dyes to enhance their color and appearance. These additives help create a fresher and more appetizing look. 

Concerns about the potential risks of consuming synthetic dyes in meat products have sparked debates about their continued use.

27 Foods That Are Quickly Becoming Way Too Expensive For Most Of Us

Snack Foods

Image Credit: iStock

Snack Foods, such as chips and flavored crackers, frequently use red dyes to distinguish flavors and create appealing packaging. These additives play a key role in attracting consumers in a competitive market. 

As awareness of health risks grows, snack manufacturers may be pressured to seek alternative methods of achieving vibrant colors.

30 Foods You Should Never Store In Your Refrigerator (And Why)

Fruit Roll-Ups

Image Credit: iStock

Fruit Roll-Ups and similar snacks use synthetic dyes to create bold and colorful designs that appeal to children and parents alike. These bright hues often mask the low fruit content of such products, raising concerns about their nutritional value. 

Efforts to improve transparency in labeling have gained momentum.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.

Cake Decorating Gels

Image Credit: iStock

Cake Decorating Gels are widely used to create intricate and colorful designs on baked goods. These gels often contain synthetic dyes to achieve a broad range of vivid shades. 

With growing scrutiny of food additives, manufacturers may need to consider reformulating their products.

25 Common Baking Mistakes (and Easy Ways to Fix Them)

Energy Drinks

A can of Red Bull energy drink with its blue and silver design stands on a surface.

Energy Drinks, known for their bold and flashy packaging, often use synthetic dyes to create bright and striking colors. These drinks are marketed to younger consumers looking for an energy boost. 

As the health effects of synthetic dyes come under increasing review, energy drink manufacturers may face challenges in maintaining their visual appeal.

Homemade Sports Drinks – DIY Gatorade Alternative

Frozen Meals

A colorful assortment of packaged frozen foods, including pizza, fries, dumplings, pasta, sliders, chicken nuggets, and more, arranged on a blue surface.

Frozen Meals sometimes include red dyes to enhance the appearance of meats and sauces. These additives help create the illusion of freshness and better quality, even in heavily processed foods. 

The use of synthetic dyes in convenience meals has been a point of contention for health-conscious consumers.

Stop! 20 Foods You Should Never Reheat in the Microwave

Maraschino Cherries

Image Credit: iStock

Maraschino Cherries are another example of a product that relies on red dyes for its vibrant and uniform appearance. Commonly used as garnishes for cocktails and desserts, these cherries are often colored with Red No. 3. 

Growing concerns about the safety of these additives have led to discussions about finding safer alternatives. 

The Truth About Organic Foods: 17 Myths Most People Get Totally Wrong (With Video)

YouTube video

Ensuring Safer Food Choices

A female doctor with a stethoscope sits at a desk surrounded by fresh vegetables in a medical office.

The potential risks of synthetic red dyes have sparked a growing demand for healthier and safer alternatives in food production. As the FDA continues to evaluate the safety of these additives, the food industry may face significant changes in how products are formulated and marketed. 

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of what goes into their food, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability. Addressing these concerns will require collaboration between regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and health advocates to prioritize public safety. 

This shift represents an opportunity to create a food system that balances visual appeal with genuine health benefits.

🙋‍♀️If you like what you just read, then subscribe to my newsletter and follow us on YouTube.👈

  • Trump’s Tariffs: 23 Items Expected to Get Much More Expensive
  • 19 Reasons Why Grocery Prices Will Keep Rising (And Won’t Stop)
  • Could Food Shortages Be Coming? 20 Items to Stock Up While You still Can
  • 19 Foods You’re Cutting and Peeling Wrong (And the Right Way to Do It)
  • How to Eat Healthy When You Travel

AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

Trending Now

How Often Should You Clean Your House: Woman Cleaning Oven

How Often Should You Clean Your House? Room By Room Tips

Woman Doing Laundry Using Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets

Earth Breeze Review: Dehydrated Laundry Sheets

amazon prime box

My Secrets: How To Get Amazon Coupons, Discount Codes, Promo Codes, Free Stuff, and Deals

Text reads: "18 DIY Homemade Household Products you can easily make at home" in colorful handwritten-style font on a dark background.

18+ DIY Household Products You Can Make at Home

Amazon Gift Card

How To Save On Amazon Prime Membership + Prime Benefits

What To Teach Kids About Money

What To Teach Kids About Money: An Expert Weighs In

As Seen On
bloomberg logo
business insider logo
msn logo
usa today logo
family handy man logo
yahoo finance logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Disclosure and Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Web Stories
Email Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

© 2025

ChaChingQueen does not provide individual or customized medical, legal, or financial advice. Since each individual's situation is unique, a qualified professional should be consulted about your specific situation before making financial and/or medical decisions.

Cha Ching Queen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

  • DIY
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
    • Crafts & Projects
    • Home Improvement
  • Money Matters
    • Make More Money
    • Spend Less Money
    • Manage Money Better
    • Reviews & Recommendations
    • Get Free Stuff
  • Eat Well
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Food Talk
  • Live Life
    • Health & Beauty
    • Cloth Diapering
    • Family And Relationships
    • Holidays & Gifts
  • Travel Tips
    • Destinations
    • Attractions
    • Travel Hacks
  • About
  • Subscribe
Facebook X Instagram
Search
Share to
BufferCopyEmailFacebookFlipboardHacker NewsLineLinkedInMessengerMixPinterestPocketPrintRedditSMSSubscribeTelegramTumblrXVKWhatsAppXingYummly