Question 1

What food ingredients are banned in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut bans Red Dye 40, Yellow Dye 5, Yellow Dye 6, Blue Dye 1, Blue Dye 2, Green Dye 3, Red Dye 3 under Connecticut HB 6485 (proposed) — bans dyes in school food, taking effect 2027.

Question 2

When does the Connecticut food additive ban take effect?

Accepted Answer

January 2027. Manufacturers have until then to reformulate.

Question 3

Which products will be affected in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Common products include Lunchables, Capri Sun, Froot Loops, Skittles. Many have already been reformulated for the EU and Canadian markets.

Question 4

Is Connecticut's ban stricter than the FDA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The FDA still permits all of these additives nationally. Connecticut is acting independently based on EU + EFSA evidence the FDA has not yet acted on.

Ingredient	Why it's banned
Red Dye 40	Linked to ADHD-style behavior in children.
Yellow Dye 5	Allergic/hyperactivity concerns.
Yellow Dye 6	Allergic/hyperactivity concerns.
Blue Dye 1	Behavioral concerns in studies.
Blue Dye 2	Linked to brain tumors in animal studies.
Green Dye 3	Limited human-safety data.
Red Dye 3	FDA banned in food Jan 2025.

Food ingredients banned in Connecticut (2027)

The 7 banned ingredients

Background

Common products affected

Scan your pantry today