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.
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.