Latest news with #RedDye40
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
In-N-Out is removing Red Dye 40 from these menu items
In-N-Out is removing Red Dye 40 from these menu items Show Caption Hide Caption RFK Jr. unveils plan to ban eight artificial food dyes by 2026 Eight artificial dyes will be banned from medications and the nation's food supply by the end of 2026, Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. California fast food staple In-N-Out announced changes to some of its menu items, notably removing the food dye Red 40 from its pink lemonade. The burger chain said in a Facebook post that it has replaced Red Dye 40 with beta carotene and vegetable juice in its strawberry shakes and "Signature Pink Lemonade." The company confirmed the changes in a statement provided to USA TODAY May 15. "We strive to have the best and be the best in all areas. It's been my family's priority since 1948, and it remains my priority to this very day," Lynsi Snyder, owner and president of In-N-Out Burger, said in the statement. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Food and Drug Administration announced a "mutual understanding" with the food industry in April that says eight food dyes, including Red Dye 40, will be progressively removed. In-N-Out did not reference the so-called agreement in its statement. The company also said it is transitioning its ketchup from using high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar and is researching oil options for its fries. What changes has In-N-Out made? This is not the first time In-N-Out has made changes to its products over the years. Previous changes noted in the Facebook post include: Replacing Yellow Dye 5 with Turmeric in pickles, chilies, and spreads in 2018 Replacing artificial flavorings with natural flavoring in the vanilla shake mix, chocolate syrup and hot cocoa from 2017-2019 Replacing high fructose corn syrup with natural sugar in the shake mix, strawberry syrup, spread and "Signature Pink Lemonade" from 2017-2019 Replacing calcium propionate with natural enzymes in the buns and removing cottonseed oil in 2018 and 2024 The company operates 420 locations across eight states. What are the dangers of Red Dye 40? The Cleveland Clinic notes that the effects of Red Dye 40 are require further research, though some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD. The Cleveland Clinic says that some side effects associated with consuming the food dye include: Hyperactivity, including ADHD Behavioral changes like irritability and depression Allergic reaction Hives and asthma Sneezing Watery eyes Skin irritation Migraines However, the exact cause of certain side effects is unclear, as red dye is typically used in conjunction with other food additives that may also lead to symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic says.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
10 Everyday Foods You'd Never Guess Contain Synthetic Dyes
Synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are found in nearly 24,000 U.S. food products, including unexpected items like yogurt, pickles, and oatmeal. These dyes, often used to enhance appearance, are petroleum-based and may pose health concerns like hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and gut issues. Experts and health officials are urging greater transparency and regulation, with growing momentum to phase out synthetic dyes and help consumers make more informed food human eye is a miraculous thing, especially when it helps us choose the foods we eat. As one 2016 study in the journal Brain and Cognition explains, trichromatic color vision — which gives us the ability to see the whole rainbow of colors — may have developed in primates as "an adaptation that facilitated the selection of more energy-rich (and likely red) fruits from amongst the dark green forest canopy."Humans have always loved bright, colorful foods, as they signal that they could be the food we need to survive. However, this lifestyle of "eating with our eyes" could finally be catching up to us, as the need for identifying a crispy red apple among the branches of a leafy green tree has been replaced by the choice of vibrant pink yogurts, impossibly yellow mustards, and candy that's bluer than the sky, thanks to artificial food dyes. And while you may think you know which foods contain artificial color, these dyes could be lurking in foods you'd never expect."According to NIQ data, Red Dye 40 is by far the most common food additive, found in nearly 24,000 food and beverage items in the U.S.," Sherry Frey, the vice president of Total Wellness at NielsenIQ, shared with Food & Wine. Frey noted that categories where synthetic dyes are most prevalent include candy, gum, mints, snacks, desserts, baking supplies, and beverages. However, consumers might be surprised to learn that these additives are also found in items that seem otherwise 'healthy' or simple."Here's what you need to know about dyes and some surprising foods you can find them in. Artificial food dyes are synthetic chemicals added to food to enhance or stabilize color. "Most artificially colored foods are colored with synthetic petroleum-based chemicals — called dyes — that do not occur in nature," according to the Center for Science in the Public late April, Robert Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced his department's plans to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors from the nation's food supply, including Red 40, Blue 1 and 2, Yellow 5 and 6, and Green 3. (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the Biden administration had already banned Red 3 in January, but RFK Jr. noted they would like to move the timeline of that ban up.) RFK Jr. didn't go into specifics on how this will happen; however, it's a move that is receiving plenty of praise. Related: Are Natural Food Dyes Better? Experts Weigh In on the Pros and Cons "While the FDA considers approved dyes safe within regulated limits, emerging evidence continues to raise questions about hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and long-term exposure risks," Jonathan Poyourow, chef and professor at Johnson & Wales, who also specializes in nutrition, shared. You don't need to panic over every processed bite, but awareness is key. "This moment offers both a challenge and an opportunity," Ashley Cornell, the director of regulatory affairs and Policy at Canadian Health Food Association, added. "We have a chance to reexamine what we prioritize in our food, and to push for greater clarity, safety, and simplicity. The good news is that change is already happening. Bright, beautiful food can still delight the senses without compromising your well-being. When we know better, we can choose better." "You should definitely proceed with caution," Lindsay Malone, a nutrition instructor at Case Western Reserve University, shared, also citing studies that link food dyes to hyperactivity. "Food dyes are commonly in ultra-processed foods, which come with their own negative health baggage, including blood sugar instability, changes in the gut microbiome, and crowding out other healthy foods." However, Malone added, "My gut feeling is that dyes probably aren't the only problem here. Most people can limit their dye exposure by eating more whole, minimally processed foods at the grocery store. Related: This Food Safety Bill Would Require Food Companies to Fess Up About Food Additives "Think of these as single-ingredient foods or foods with very few ingredients. When you do eat processed food, choose the most simply prepared and avoid the dyes when you can." Still, nutritionist Seyma Turan agrees with Malone, adding, 'Consistent exposure — especially through ultra-processed foods — can increase cumulative health stress, particularly for those with gut issues, sensitivities, or autoimmune conditions.' It's not always easy to decipher what exactly is in our food. But if you're in the U.S., look for names like Red 40, Yellow 5, or Blue 1 on ingredient lists. Terms like 'artificial color' or 'color added' can also indicate synthetic dyes. Additionally, there are apps like Yuka and the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores that can help you decode ingredient lists. Want to avoid these dyes? You may already be aware of the common culprits, but here are 10 products containing food dyes that might surprise you. That vibrant green hue on bread and butter pickles is often thanks to Yellow 5. "A natural cucumber's color can fade during processing and storage," Cornell said. "To compensate, synthetic color is commonly added to intensify the green hue of shelf-stable pickles. This gives the illusion of freshness, even after long periods in brine or on store shelves." You may think you're getting a fruity punch by picking up fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt, but be warned that those berry tones can come from Red 40 or Yellow 6 to make strawberry, peach, or cherry colors pop. "One that surprises many people is 'healthy-looking' items like plant-based yogurts or fruit juices — some still use colorants to appear fresher or more vibrant," Turan explained. The Environmental Working Group highlights another popular snack that may have added colors: Wasabi peas. The group explained that they "get their green from artificial dye. It's likely not from Green 3, which isn't widely used but is in the bill California lawmakers are considering. Instead, you can thank Blue 1 and Yellow 5 in combination — maybe with some Red 40 thrown in — for the leafy color, whether the peas are in a mix of snack items or on their own." Again, you may feel as though you're doing your best by avoiding brightly colored cake mixes, but even "plain" cakes can contain Yellow 5 to give the batter a richer and more buttery appearance. "Products marketed as creamy, white, or lightly colored often rely on additives to enhance appearance," Cornell said. "Common examples include vanilla yogurt, vanilla cake mix, mayonnaise, non-dairy creamers, marshmallows, light-colored soft drinks, powdered sugar, and frosting." Before you swap your cake mix for a different dessert, take a little time to look closely at those labels, too. Certain flavors of pudding, including butterscotch, can contain Yellow 6 and Yellow 5 to create a brighter, creamier-looking color. Before you top that salad, you may want to peek at the ingredients list on your dressing. According to Cornell, "Natural oils and acidic ingredients can cause color separation or fading, especially in light-exposed bottles. Synthetic colors are often added to standardize the look of creamy dressings, and maintain a consistent visually appealing color." That can include titanium dioxide, "used in white or light-colored dressings (like Caesar or ranch) to achieve opacity and brightness," or Yellow No. 5, which "adds a warm yellow hue and often used in French, honey mustard, or ranch dressing." Cornell added that Yellow No. 6 is often used to give that deep orange hue to Thousand Island dressing. Just like that flavored yogurt, anyone who wants to avoid added synthetic food coloring may want to forgo pre-packed flavored applesauce, particularly strawberry-flavored packets, which can contain Red 40 to enhance their appearance. During breakfast time, Poyourow says you should also check your instant oatmeal packet, "especially strawberry or maple-brown sugar," as it may contain dyes that signal flavor cues to your brain, including Red 40. "Food coloring helps replicate the look of ripe fruit, even when color from real fruit is minimal, is lost during cooking, or fades over time," Cornell said. Red No. 40, she added, is commonly used to "enhance or standardize color in strawberry, raspberry, or cherry spreads," while Yellow No. 6 is sometimes "added to orange marmalades, peach, or apricot jams to intensify the warm orange tone." According to Cornell, Red No. 3 is "occasionally used to deepen red in deli meats." The Environmental Working Group notes that it is possible the same ingredient could have been used to enhance the color of smoked salmon, including salmon cream cheese, too. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Axios
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Axios
New Utah laws are in effect. Here's how they'll impact you
Several Utah bills passed during the 2025 legislative session went into effect Wednesday. Why it matters: These laws impact everything from how much money you take home to what your children eat for school lunch. Here are some lesser-known laws worth your attention: ✍️ English learners: HB 42 gives public schools emergency funding if they experience a large enrollment increase of English language learners. 💰 Income tax cut: HB 106 lowers the state income tax rate from 4.55% to 4.5%. 🚗 Window tinting: HB 112 bars law enforcement officers from requesting driver's license or car registration suspensions for window tint violations. 🚫 Food additives: HB 402 prevents public schools from serving foods that contain certain additives, like Red Dye 40. Red Dye 40 is commonly found in candies, cereals, sodas and other packaged snacks. 💧 Water rates: HB 274 allows cities to set up tiered water rates to promote conservation. 🎭 Child actors: HB 322 provides legal protections for child actors and social media influencers and mandates that parents or guardians establish trust accounts for them.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sales of Red Dye 3 Products Decline as FDA Bans More Synthetic Ingredients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to phase out Red Dye 3, a synthetic ingredient that gives food and beverages a vibrant red color, already appears to be altering consumer behavior: They're buying less of the stuff. The FDA's new plan to eliminate a handful of other petroleum-based dyes by the end of 2026-including Blue Dye 1, Green Dye 3, Yellow Dye 6-is bound to put even more pressure on major manufacturers, such as PepsiCo and General Mills, to come up with innovative formulations. Figures from NielsenIQ (NIQ), a consumer intelligence firm, show sales of products containing Red Dye 3 have declined in past years, but took a sharp tumble in January following the FDA's declaration to remove the additive from the nation's food supply. "Whether or not this is directly correlated with the ban announcement, it appears consumers are increasingly paying attention to these ingredients-especially since we have seen sales of products with Red Dye 3 trending downward since 2023," Sherry Frey, vice president of total wellness at NIQ, told ADWEEK. At present, food and beverage brands use synthetic dyes in thousands of products. Red Dye 40, for example, appears in nearly 24,000 items. Yellow Dye 5 exists in more than 22,000. The artificial ingredients are most prevalent in the following categories: candy, gum, mints, snacks, desserts, beverages, and baking supplies. "Potential fallout from the synthetic food dye ban leaves these categories vulnerable and underscores the need for an urgent response," Frey added. In reaction to the FDA's plan to ban artificial dyes, the National Confectioners Association noted it looks forward to working on the issue with Congress and the Trump Administration. 'We are in firm agreement that science-based evaluation of food additives will help eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in our national food safety system,' read a statement from the trade group, whose members include Mars, Ferrara, and Hershey's. Why Valentine's Day May Become a Duller Shade of Red Brands, of course, have long relied on distinct colors to attract shoppers. UPS is known for its brown trucks. Most people can identify a piece of Tiffany's jewelry by its blue box. The same strategy applies to marketing certain food and beverages. At the same time, demand for natural ingredients is growing. Nearly 25,000 items now feature labels claiming its contents are free from artificial colors, according to NIQ, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences for cleaner food options. "The industry has been actively moving toward artificial dye alternatives for quite some time, as consumers have increasingly been paying attention to clean label attributes," said Frey. "We anticipate consumers will respond immediately to the recent bans."
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
FDA phasing out 8 dyes: What are the side effects of red dye 40, yellow dye 5?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a plan to discontinue eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the country's food supply soon. The food dyes that will be phased out are Blue 1, Blue 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a news conference on April 22 that 'Food dye is just a no-brainer. Nobody wants to eat petroleum. Everybody knows there's enough science out there that we know it's terrible for you. It causes health problems but also behavioural problems.' Claims have been made that food dyes like Red Dye 40 and Yellow Dye 5 can cause serious side effects like cancer, allergies, and also hyperactivity in children. Studies on food dyes, especially ones like Red Dye 40 (Allura Red), Yellow Dye 5 (Tartrazine), Blue Dye 1 (Brilliant Blue), and Blue Dye 2 (Indigo Carmine) suggest these potential side effects: - Hyperactivity and Behavioural Problems - There's a link between Red 40 and Yellow 5 and increased hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and restlessness in children, especially those who are sensitive to the dyes. - Potential Cancer Risks - Extensive studies on animals have linked Red 40 and other dyes like Red 3 to cancer or tumours. - Allergic Reactions - Few individuals may experience allergic reactions to these dyes, including itching, hives, and even asthma. - DNA Damage - Red 40 has been shown to cause DNA damage both in vitro and in vivo, potentially contributing to an increased risk of cancer. The side effects may not be visible to a lot of people. Therefore, these points are to be considered if you're still choosing to consume food products with the aforementioned potentially harmful dyes: - Individual Sensitivity - Not all children are affected in the same way as some may be more sensitive to the effects of these dyes than others. - Multiple Dyes - Food often contains mixtures of different dyes, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of individual dyes. - Regulatory Issues - The FDA approves a lot of these dyes for use, but there are ongoing concerns about their safety and potential health effects. - Alternatives - Natural food colouring is always available and can be used as a better alternative to synthetic dyes.
