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At a news conference held in Washington on April 22, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that eight synthetic food dyes will be phased out of medications and the food supply by the end of 2026. These include dyes commonly found in products like candy, ice cream, soft drinks, and jams.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary encouraged companies to shift to natural alternatives. "If you're using petroleum-based red dyes, consider switching to watermelon or beet juice," he said. "And if you're blending yellow and red chemical dyes, carrot juice is a great substitute." Makary also noted that the FDA plans to approve four new food dyes sourced from natural ingredients in the coming weeks.

This move brings renewed attention to artificial food colorings, which are added to enhance or restore color in many processed foods. These dyes are petroleum-based chemicals that do not occur in nature. Among those targeted in the ban is Red Dye 40—approved for use in 1971 and now one of the most commonly used food colorings in the US. Despite its widespread use, some studies suggest it may worsen symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in certain children.

With that in mind, you may be wondering if Red Dye 40 is safe to consume and what foods contain this dye. Click through the gallery to find out.

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Red dye 40 is made from petroleum and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in food and drinks.

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Red dye 40 is used to create uniform colors in consumable products. It can also help consumers identify flavors. For example, using red dye 40 can imply a cherry or strawberry flavor.

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Red dye 40 can be found in a wide range of food products, including gelatins, puddings, dairy products, bakery products, snacks, and sodas.

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Many of the food and drink items that contain red dye 40 are specifically created for and marketed to children.

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Red dye 40 replaced red dye 2 in 1976 due to reported links with cancer from red dye 2.

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A vibrant red appearance usually indicates that a food or drink contains red dye 40, commonly found in ultra-processed foods.

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Not all foods that contain red dye 40 are red. A combination of artificial dyes, including red dye 40, is used to give some pickles a pronounced yellow-green color.

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Check the ingredients list on the back of packaging to determine if red dye 40 is included. The artificial color may be listed in a few different ways including Red 40, Allura Red 40, Artificial Color, Color Added, and Red 40 Lake.

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Red dye 40 can also be found in cosmetics like blush, concealer, foundation, eyeliner, and eye makeup remover.

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Red dye 40 is also used in pharmaceuticals. Cough syrups often contain food dye.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers red dye 40 to be of low concern to health.

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Most of the studies evaluating the safety of artificial colorings are outdated. Today, the intake of dyes has increased, and multiple dyes are often combined with other preservatives.

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Research suggests red dye 40 can cause health concerns and there is a growing pressure for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the additive.

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Outdated studies claim that red dye 40 can cause ADHD. Recent research suggests this is not the case. It can, however, exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

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Research shows that consumption of red dye 40 can worsen ADHD symptoms, specifically inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness.

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Allergic reactions to red dye 40 have been reported in children and adults. Reactions tend to be mild, however, and mainly cause itching.

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A study carried out on mice showed continual exposure to the red dye 40 caused inflammation and damage to gut health. The effects have not yet been proven in humans.

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Some studies have shown red dye 40 (and other artificial colorings) can trigger migraines in children and adults.

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Red dye 40 contains benzene, which is a cancer-causing substance. Research found tumor growth in animals that consumed high doses of food dyes, but scientists are unsure how this translates to humans.

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While research is limited, some experts believe red dye 40 and other artificial dyes may cause behavioral changes in children due to a chemical change in the brain.

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Evidence suggests red dye 40 might be able to interrupt the brain's regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and adenosine.

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Studies show an improvement in behavior and attention in ADHD once red dye 40 was eliminated from the diet.

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Avoid processed foods and carefully read labels to see if synthetic dyes are listed.

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Research fast food ingredients before purchasing. Many items include synthetic dyes without being immediately obvious.

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In 2023, the state of California prohibited the use of red dye 3 in food and drinks. An advancing bill called A.B. 2316 aims to also ban red dye 40, along with five other food dyes, from food provided in schools.

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If California's A.B. 2316 bill passes, schools will no longer be able to offer food containing red dye 40. Manufacturers will have to reformulate their products if they wish to continue selling food containing red dye 40 in schools.

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While red dye 40 isn't banned in Europe, there are restrictions. European regulations require foods containing red dye 40 or other artificial colorings to carry a warning label stating the dye may adversely affect activity and attention in children.

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If you're looking to naturally dye foods a red color at home, consider using foods rich in anthocyanins, such as berries, purple cabbage, beets, and dried hibiscus flowers.

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While some evidence points to red dye 40 having an adverse effect, further research is needed. The FDA says it will continue to examine the impact of color additives on children's behavior.

Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (WebMD) (Medicine Net)