Food Dyes in Medications and MAHA
- Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 8
In recent news, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a bold initiative through the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement to phase out eight synthetic, petroleum-derived food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026. The dyes include Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, along with two less common dyes: Orange B and Citrus Red 2.
Why synthetic food dyes are being banned
The decision to phase out synthetic food dyes stems from growing concerns about their potential health risks. Studies have linked certain dyes to behavioral issues in children and even cancer in animals. Red Dye No. 3, for example, has been banned due to its association with thyroid cancer in rats. Additionally, experts argue that these artificial colors contribute to the rising rates of obesity and other chronic health conditions, particularly in children, as they encourage excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. This initiative aims to reduce the exposure of harmful chemicals in the food supply, reflecting a broader push for healthier, more transparent food production practices.
Examples of foods with synthetic food dyes
Here are some examples of foods that commonly contain the eight synthetic dyes:
Blue No. 1: Blue raspberry-flavored candies, sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade), frosting and cake mixes
Blue No. 2: Blue candies (e.g., blue jelly beans), some ice creams and sherberts, cereals (e.g., some varieties of Kellogg’s cereal)
Green No. 3: Green candies, mint-flavored desserts (e.g., mint chocolate chip ice cream), some drinks and beverages
Red No. 40: Fruit-flavored snacks (e.g. Fruit Roll-Ups), candy (e.g., M&Ms, Skittles), soft drinks (e.g., cherry soda)
Yellow No. 5: Yellow cake mixes, pickles, macaroni and cheese
Yellow No. 6: Cheddar-flavored snacks (e.g., Cheetos), ice cream, cereal (e.g., Froot Loops)
Orange B: Sausage casings, some hot dogs, processed meats
Citrus Red 2: Orange peels (used to color decorative orange peels)
What this means for pharmaceuticals
RFK Jr.'s food policies targeting synthetic dyes are also relevant to pharmaceuticals, as these dyes are commonly used in over 41,000 medications to improve appearance, aid in dosage differentiation, and enhance product appeal. While these dyes help make medications visually identifiable, concerns have emerged due to potential health risks, including links to ADHD and other behavioral issues, especially in children.
Below are examples of medications containing the dyes proposed for banning. Since dye use can vary by brand, it’s essential to check labels and reach out to Pill Clarity for verification.
Blue No. 1 (n ≈ 13,757)
| Blue No. 2 (n ≈ 5,501)
| Green No. 3 (n ≈ 1,331)
|
Red No. 40 (n ≈ 10,085)
| Yellow No. 5 (n ≈ 4,605)
| Yellow No. 6 (n ≈ 8,644)
|
*Orange B and Citrus Red are not used in pharmaceuticals and are exclusively permitted for specific applications within the food industry.
Dye-free medication alternatives and transparency in pharmaceuticals
At Pill Clarity, we’ve long recognized the need for transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. As such, we can find you a medication without certain dyes if you ask our pharmacy team here. As an example, this aspirin does not contain any dyes while some other manufacturers (e.g. Major Pharmaceuticals) do include dyes.
While synthetic dyes may be petroleum-based and animal-free, people with allergies and sensitivities also deserve to know exactly what’s in the products they consume. This is why we’ve been tirelessly advocating for clear, accurate labeling and ingredient transparency (e.g., FDA Citizen Petition).
Transparency in medication labeling is essential, especially as 33 million people having food allergies, 20 million follow religious dietary laws, and 16 million identifying as vegan or vegetarian. It’s clear that accurate ingredient information is vital for many. Additionally, 0.5 million people have alpha-gal syndrome. Despite this, 75% of medications contain animal-derived ingredients, and 40% of the top pharmaceutical companies have struggled to provide accurate ingredient details.
Conclusion
Kennedy’s policy to eliminate synthetic dyes is a first-of-its-kind federal initiative, opening the door for potential reforms in food, agriculture, and medicine. Regardless of how it is viewed, the growing evidence indicates that the healthcare system needs to shift from sick-care to well-care. Pill Clarity is filling the ingredient transparency gap by helping patients and providers find dye-free and allergen-free alternatives NOW - because everyone deserves to know exactly what they’re taking.
Co-authored by: Madelyn Mullinax
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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