The topic of artificial food dyes can be a somewhat controversial one. Due to the recent ban on red 3 many people are wondering whether or not these dyes are safe to consume or if they should just opt for natural food dyes instead. In the hopes to shed some light on the topic, we will be discussing the differences between natural and artificial food dyes (color additives) and their respective pros and cons.
Because of the red 3 ban manufacturers are rushing to change their formulas, consumers may notice a difference in the color of their goods that previously contained red 3. Food manufacturers, including cottage bakers, have until January 15th, 2027 to comply with this ban.
Why was red 3 banned?
The FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) is required to ban any additive that induces cancer in animal or human studies. In high doses red 3 caused cancer in male rats. Many are speculative of whether or not the cancer is rat specific and if it would cause the same outcomes in humans. The FDA has clear safety guidelines that all U.S. food manufacturers must comply with regarding how much of an additive or synthetic dye can be added to a particular product. In the rat study, the dye given to the rats was a much higher amount than is recommended by the FDA for people. But because cancer was the outcome of this particular study the FDA banned its usage.
Many parents claim that food dyes have had adverse health and behavioral effects on their children. The FDA conducts rigorous testing on the safety of the current nine certified color additives that are approved for food. The FDA looks at both short and long term effects of consumption, composition, stability, manufacturing process, purity, and amount to should be consumed. FDA studies have shown no correlation between behavioral issues in children and color additives. However, there are statements that more data is needed. Parents should always defer to their pediatrician if they have concerns.
As stated above there are currently nine color additives that are approved for food. These color additives are made from a variety of sources including raw petroleum materials, aluminum oxide, plants, and minerals. Color additives are used widely in the food industry because of their stability as an additive, consistent color production, vibrancy, and no added flavor. If used as directed by the FDA, artificial food dyes are safe in the amounts recommended, and they absolutely have a place in the industry as consistent and reliable sources of color. Some argue that because of the lack of nutritional value these color additives add that they should all be banned. But the mindset that all food consumed has to carry nutritional value erases the truth that cakes, pastries, and candies that these color additives are in are most often eaten for pleasure. And this itself is not a bad thing. It is the way many people make a living; decorating visually appealing and fun to eat every now and then treats.
What about more natural options?
Natural dyes are dyes that are derived from natural sources such as plants, vegetables, minerals, or animals (specifically bugs and marine mollusks). Many artificial dyes have natural elements but also have additives to keep the color consistent and self stable. The “clean label” of natural food dyes are appealing to many worried parents and consumers. Many natural food dyes are FDA approved, however, they are usually exempt from certification. Certification is a testing process that artificial dyes undergo. The FDA takes a physical sample from a specific manufacturing batch to verify purity and safety. Natural dyes, again, don’t undergo this testing. Other cons of these dyes include their cost, short shelf life, weak pigmentation and sometime off putting taste. It is difficult to get the same vibrancy out of natural dyes that artificial dyes are capable of. Red and black are especially difficult as they are mostly derived from beets and provide a pinkish red color and very intense earthy flavor from the beets. Blue in the past has been a very expensive color to procure naturally. However, the FDA recently approved three new natural colors for blue, so hopefully the cost of this product will decrease with time. Natural dyes also have a nominally higher nutritional value in addition to their color, whereas artificial dyes have no nutritional value.
It's important to stay informed and make decisions about what we are consuming that are in alignment with our beliefs and health. Both natural and artificial dyes have a place in the world of food and pastry, but it’s up to you as the consumer to decide which is right for you.