MAHA · food dyes

MAHA food dyes: the 7 petroleum dyes being phased out

Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, and Red 3. The FDA is phasing them out and the MAHA movement put them on the map. See where each is restricted overseas, and scan any product to check its label free.

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The seven synthetic food dyes below are made from petroleum and are still legal in US food. The MAHA movement and, as of 2025, the FDA are pushing to remove them. Europe already requires a warning label on most of them, which is why the same cereal or candy is often colored with beets or turmeric overseas and with petroleum dyes here.

BannedPantry flags all seven, with the primary regulator citation for each. Politically independent — we just track what other countries have already restricted.

The 7 dyes — where each is restricted

Red 40 (Allura Red)
Found in: Candy, cereal, soda, snacks, sports drinks
Restricted in:
EU (mandatory warning label), UK phase-out urged
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
Found in: Chips, candy, soft drinks, pickles
Restricted in:
EU (mandatory warning label), UK
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)
Found in: Snacks, candy, baked goods, cheese products
Restricted in:
EU (mandatory warning label), UK
Red 3 (Erythrosine)
Found in: Candy, frosting, maraschino cherries
Restricted in:
FDA banned for food (2025, effective 2027); UK cocktail-cherry use only
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)
Found in: Candy, drinks, ice cream, baked goods
Restricted in:
EU restricts use (E133)
Blue 2 (Indigotine)
Found in: Candy, drinks, pet food
Restricted in:
EU restricts use (E132)
Green 3 (Fast Green)
Found in: Candy, drinks, canned vegetables
Restricted in:
Limited permitted use in Canada

Frequently asked questions

What food dyes is MAHA targeting?
The MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement targets the seven synthetic petroleum-based food dyes still legal in the US: Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, and Red 3. In April 2025 the FDA announced a voluntary industry phase-out of the six remaining dyes (after federally banning Red 3 earlier in 2025), targeting end-of-2026 compliance.
Why are these dyes restricted in Europe?
Following the 2007 Southampton study linking synthetic dyes to hyperactivity in children, the EU requires foods containing Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and several others to carry a warning label: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." Many manufacturers reformulate with natural colors to avoid the label, which is why the same product is often dye-free in Europe but dyed in the US.
Has the FDA actually banned any food dyes?
Yes. The FDA banned Red 3 in foods in January 2025 (compliance 2027 for food, 2028 for ingested drugs). In April 2025 it announced a voluntary phase-out of the six remaining petroleum dyes. Several states — California, West Virginia, Utah, Texas, Virginia and others — have also passed state-level dye restrictions, especially in school food.
How do I check if a product has these dyes?
Open BannedPantry on your phone, tap Scan, point at any barcode. You will see in seconds whether the product contains any of the seven dyes, with the regulator citation for each. Free, no signup for your first scans daily.

See the full MAHA watchlist

Dyes are just the start. The MAHA movement targets 200+ ingredients banned overseas but legal here.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Data sourced from EFSA, FDA, Health Canada, and peer-reviewed research. Educational use only — consult your doctor for medical decisions.

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