II. Background
- Food and medication dye use has significantly increased since the 1990s
- Dyes are used only for appearance and have no additional benefit
- Dyes may be associated with adverse effects such as Allergic Reactions and increased cancer risk
III. Medications: Food Dyes with possible Adverse Effects
- FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue, CAS 3844-45-9)
- FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine, Indigotine, CAS 860–22-0)
- FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green, CAS 2353-45-9)
- FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine, CAS 16,423–68-0)
- Associated with cancer development in rat studies
- U.S. FDA Ban starts in 2027 for food, and 2028 for medications
- FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red, CAS 25,956–17-6)
- Risk of contamination with Benzidine (carcinogen)
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine, CAS 1934-21-0)
- FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow, 2783-94-0)
IV. Prevention
- Dye free products (esp. medications) are often available as an alternative
V. References
- (2025) Presc Lett
- Miller (2022) Environ Health 21(1):45 +PMID: 35484553 [PubMed]