Today the FDA issued Red No. 3 banned from all foods, drinks and medications taken. Companies must remove Red No. 3 from their products by January 2027. Although this is a step in the right direction, there are still eight artificial colors approved for human consumption. What are they, what foods do they contain and what are the health risks for humans? Which companies use or produce these harmful additives? Will a confirmation from RFK Jr. bring greater scrutiny of America’s food supply?

Food colored background

For decades, food companies have been adding synthetic colors to their products to make them more visually appealing. Today there is increasing evidence that many of these artificial colors are harmful to health. As pressure to make foods more nutritious increases and consumers make healthier choices, some companies may experience lower profits, which could impact their stock price. More on that in a moment.

Most artificial food colors use petroleum-based chemicals called dyes, which have been linked to numerous health problems. According to Consumer Reports, of the 42 different synthetic dyes and after today’s ban, 8 are still approved for human consumption. Over 90% of candy, fruit-flavored snacks, and drink mixes contain one or more of these harmful ingredients. To date, there have been nine synthetic dyes approved for human consumption (see table below).

Many of these dyes, banned in other countries, are still part of the American food supply. According to ewg.org, three of the dyes, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, make up about 90% of all food dyes used in the United States. The risks of synthetic dyes include cancer, hyperactivity, ADHD and other disorders. Children and those with certain health problems may be particularly venerable. According to numerous sources, in June 2015, General Mills promised to remove all artificial colors from Trix and Lucky Charms by the end of 2016. Kellogg promised to remove all artificial colors by 2019. Both companies continue to use synthetic dyes.

Popular foods with dyes and the companies behind them

In general, any food or drink with bright colors is likely to contain harmful dyes. Here are three companies that use synthetic dyes in their products. The Mars Company is privately held, so its shares are not publicly traded. Mars produces Skittles which include Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6 and Blue 1. Mars also makes M&Ms with Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake and Blue 2. Another Mars product with dyes is their Starburst -Brand containing Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1.

Listed stocks include General Mills and Kellogg’s. General Mills makes Trix cereal with Red 40, Yellow 6 and Blue 1. The company also makes Lucky Charms with Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1. Finally, Kellogg’s makes Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. Both products contain Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 and Yellow 6.

Top Companies Producing Synthetic Dyes

Which companies are involved in the production of synthetic dyes? According to verifiedmarkets.com, three of the ten largest companies in the US are publicly traded: Sensient Technologies Corporation (SXT), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and DowDuPont (DOW). I contacted everyone and asked what percentage of food sales come from synthetic dyes, but received no response.

With today’s ban on Red 3 and the possibility of an RFK nomination, other synthetic dyes could be in the FDA’s crosshairs. As America’s eating and drinking habits continue to trend toward healthier choices, companies will be forced to adapt or suffer a loss in sales. In short, the healthy food trend may bring significant regulatory changes for the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.