Red 40 and Regret: Why RFK Jr. Is Coming for Food Dyes
If you’ve been reading for a while then you know I’ve got an overly sensitive system when it comes to just about anything. Today I was beyond happy to realize RFK Jr. just announced a crackdown on artificial food dyes in the U.S., and whether or not you agree with him on other issues, this move has people (and me) across the aisle going: it’s about damn time.
If you’ve ever eaten something red and then felt vaguely itchy, moody, or hyper afterwards you might want to sit down for this one.
Because let’s be real: American food is kind of a mess, and food coloring is one of those sneaky ingredients that’s not just unnecessary, it’s often potentially harmful.
Let’s break down what’s happening, what these dyes are really doing to us, and why this might be the beginning of a very colorful (and possibly cleaner) revolution in our snacks, cereals, and processed food aisle.
What Did RFK Jr. Actually Say?
In April 2025, RFK Jr. called for a federal phase-out of synthetic food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, citing their potential links to hyperactivity in children, behavioral issues, inflammatory responses, and yes, even cancer in some animal studies!
He’s pushing for label transparency and potential bans or restrictions on dyes that have long been controversial (but for whatever reason are still legal) in the U.S.
While this might sound like a fringe food fight, it’s actually backed by a lot of scientists, pediatricians, and global health comparisons.
And honestly? It’s long overdue.
What Even Are These Food Dyes?
Most artificial food dyes are petroleum-derived chemicals. Sounds good right? Who doesn’t want to eat oil byproducts with their food? They’re used to make food look more appealing, consistent, or “fun.” Because nothing screams fun like petroleum.
You’ll find them in your candy, sodas, breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts, packaged snacks, vitamins, kids’ meds, bakery items, and disturbingly… even in some salad dressings and pickles. Basically, they’ve seeped into most of our every day items.
Here are a few of the most common:
Red 40 (Allura Red): Linked to ADHD symptoms in children, yet it’s the most used dye in the U.S.
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine): Can cause some allergic reactions, particularly in people sensitive to aspirin.
Blue 1: Sometimes tied to behavioral issues and banned in some European countries.
And it’s not just "junk food", even “healthier” items like protein bars and low-calorie ice creams sneak these in.
It’s hard to wonder why when things like beets, blueberries, and a ton of other natural colors can bleed into things just as easily.
What the Research Really Says
This isn’t just internet fearmongering…although I’m sure there’s a healthy dose of that going on too.
Multiple studies (including some from the FDA itself) have shown that artificial dyes can negatively impact behavior, especially in children.
Some key findings include a 2011 meta-analysis linked synthetic food dyes to increased hyperactivity.
The California Environmental Protection Agency has even warned about the cognitive and behavioral effects of dyes like Red 40.
Europe requires warning labels on any foods with artificial coloring as they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
Meanwhile in the U.S., we still have…colorful cereals with cartoons on the front and zero warning labels. Figures.
Europe’s Way Ahead (Again)
In Europe, several dyes used in American food are banned, heavily restricted, or only allowed if companies slap a warning label on the packaging.
The result?
Big brands like Kraft, Nestlé, and McDonald's reformulate their products for European markets to use natural colors like beet juice, turmeric, and paprika extract.
But in the U.S.? We get the Red 40 version.
Why you might ask? Because it's cheaper, and we don't complain enough. (Maybe some of us do).
How This Affects What’s in Your Pantry
Take a peek in your pantry and you’ll probably find a few surprise offenders. Here’s a totally non-exhaustive list of common food dye culprits:
Chewy vitamins (even adult ones)
Fruit snacks
Flavored yogurts
Mac & cheese mixes
Protein powders
Gummy supplements
Store-brand cookies
Cake mixes
Flavored drinks and mixers
And maybe the worst part? You often can’t see the color through the packaging.
If you’re not reading the label, chances are you’re probably eating dye.
My Personal Take (You Knew This Was Coming)
I didn’t start out as a food dye warrior, I didn’t even know how to pronounce “tartrazine” a few years ago.
But after I started cutting out American flour and felt my body completely change, I started looking into other “normal” ingredients, and dyes kept coming up.
We’re expected to just accept that color is more important than health.
That our kids (and ourselves) need bright blue yogurt to be happy, and that our drinks need to glow like glow sticks to taste good.
Honestly? I’m tired of it.
If Europe can do better, so can we.
The Truth About “Kid Food”
One of the most infuriating things about this issue is how deliberately targeted food dyes are.
Kids’ foods are the most artificially colored. Think about it. It’s all bright blue, pink, purple, neon green.
Kids like color, there’s no denying that. But here’s the thing: kids also tend to be more sensitive to chemical exposures, and we’re soaking their most impressionable years in synthetic dyes linked to serious behavior issues.
It’s not just poor nutrition, it’s neurotoxicity disguised as fun.
Want to Go Dye-Free?
If you’re looking to ditch artificial colors without giving up fun, here are two easy, Amazon-friendly swaps I personally love:
Watkins Natural Food Coloring Kit – Made from veggies and fruit, with bright, bold colors that actually look great in baking and icing. This should last you a while and is less than $10.
Dye-Free Fruit Snacks (Annie’s) – No artificial dyes, no weird aftertaste, and still full of squishy childhood nostalgia.
What Did RFK Jr. Just Announce?
On April 23, 2025, RFK Jr., now serving as Health Secretary, officially launched a nationwide ban on eight commonly used artificial food dyes in a bid to help Americans “know what’s in their food.”
The plan includes two petroleum-based synthetic dyes to be phased out within weeks, and the remaining dyes to be fully banned by the end of 2026.
This isn’t just a proposed regulation…it’s happening. The U.S. is finally aligning with growing global concern around synthetic food additives, especially those tied to behavior issues, allergies, and long-term health risks.
The dyes targeted include Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, plus five others commonly used in processed foods, snacks, and pharmaceuticals.
It’s one of the most aggressive food safety moves in modern U.S. history, and it might finally bring our labels closer to those in Europe and Canada. Thank God.
What Can You Do?
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for the government to act. You can:
Read labels and Google anything you can’t pronounce.
Look for “No artificial colors” or “Colored with vegetable juice”.
Write to brands you love if you have the time, many are starting to change because people are speaking up.
Buy organic whenever possible (I know they’re so expensive lately), USDA organic products can’t contain synthetic dyes.
Support candidates or organizations pushing for transparency in food.
Every time you skip Red 40 and pick something dye-free, you’re voting with your dollar.
Bright Isn’t Always Better
Food is supposed to nourish us, not trick us into thinking neon orange means cheese.
But for decades, we’ve been fed marketing over mindfulness, convenience over curiosity, and brightness over brain health.
RFK Jr. might be a polarizing figure, but on this issue? He’s not wrong.
It’s time we start asking what are we actually feeding our families?
Whether or not this crackdown becomes law, one thing is clear: the dye debate is far from over.
Because God knows, I’ve had enough Red 40 for one lifetime.
