The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently lists seven primary color additives approved for use in foods. These artificial food colorings are called “FD&C” color additives because they are approved for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics.
Artificial food colorings have been linked to behavior changes in children, as well as other pediatric health concerns, including a predisposition to cancer, allergies, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and more, according to a study. These findings have sparked public concern, as the dyes are widely used in foods such as cereals and candies that are marketed to children.
Background
Food manufacturers use synthetic dyes mainly for product and formula development.
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Food manufacturers use synthetic dyes mainly for product or formula development reasons, according to the FDA. The dyes protect against color loss, even out natural variations in food color, and make “fun foods” colorful and more visually appealing. Food dyes also help products match our expectations. For instance, manufacturers dye strawberry ice cream pink and mint ice cream green.
Blue No. 2
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FD&C Blue No. 2 is also called indigo blue or indigotine. It is a synthetic version of indigo, a dye naturally produced from plants. Indigotine is distinguished by a rich royal-blue color, and it is currently used for coloring foods and drugs, says the International Association of Color Manufacturers.
Hyperactivity in Children
Hyperactivity in children.
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A review indicated that there's limited research on artificial blue food colorings causing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. It was stated that more research is needed to fully determine the neurotoxicity, or nervous system damage, of artificial blue dyes in humans.
That said, a study demonstrated that color additives including FD&C Blue No. 2 are linked to a number of health problems that disproportionately affect children. These include behavioral changes in children both with and without diagnosed disorders. The pediatric populations analyzed in the study included children diagnosed with autism and ADHD, as well as children without behavioral disorders.
It is important to note that the limitations of studies on the effects of synthetic dyes can vary widely. One limitation is the lack of comprehensive, specific research on the long-term effects of these dyes across different populations, especially in children and individuals with food sensitivities.
Also, there are so many different synthetic dyes used in the food industry that it's difficult to apply the study results broadly. Not to mention, researchers may not always use the same methods to measure results. Another common challenge is separating the impact of synthetic dyes from other ingredients within the food, which makes it harder to clearly pinpoint cause and effect
What’s more, the influence of individual factors, such as diet and lifestyle, is often not fully controlled in studies, which can affect the interpretation of results. These limitations highlight the need for a more comprehensive and rigorous approach when investigating the effects of synthetic dyes on human health.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. December 16, 2025.
Rambler RM et al. A Review of the Association of Blue Food Coloring With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children. Cureus. September 16, 2022.
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