RFK Jr. made waves this week when he made a long-awaited announcement that HHS and FDA will be banning petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply—a significant milestone in the administration’s broader initiative to Make America Healthy Again.

Many people understand these foods are not good for you and that many of them are already banned from many countries in Europe, but what are they and what side effects can they have on those that routinely consume them?

Why Petroleum Food Dyes Are Bad for You

Petroleum-based food dyes, also known as synthetic food colorings, are commonly used to make processed foods, drinks, and even some medications look more appealing. These dyes, derived from petroleum—a fossil fuel—are labeled with names like Red 40, Yellow 5, or Blue 1.

While they create vibrant colors that catch your eye, there’s growing concern about their impact on your health. Here’s why petroleum food dyes might be bad for you and what you need to know to make informed choices.

What Are Petroleum Food Dyes?

Petroleum food dyes are artificial chemicals made from crude oil byproducts. They’re added to a wide range of products—think candies, sodas, cereals, and snacks—to give them bright, consistent colors.

Manufacturers love them because they’re cheap, stable, and more vivid than many natural alternatives. But the fact that they come from petroleum, something we associate with gasoline and industrial use rather than food, raises red flags about their safety for consumption.

Health Risks of Petroleum Food Dyes

The biggest worry about these synthetic dyes is their potential to harm your health. Although agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve them for use, studies and reports suggest they may not be as safe as they seem. Here are the key health risks tied to petroleum food dyes:

Hyperactivity in Children

One of the most well-known concerns is the link between synthetic dyes and hyperactivity, especially in kids. A landmark 2007 study in The Lancet showed that dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 40 could worsen hyperactive behavior in children.

This finding was strong enough that some countries, like the UK, pushed companies to remove these dyes from foods aimed at kids. If you’ve got children who seem extra restless after eating colorful snacks, these dyes might be part of the problem.

Allergic Reactions

Some people are sensitive or allergic to petroleum-based dyes. Reactions can range from mild—like hives or itching—to more serious issues like asthma or even anaphylaxis in rare cases. Yellow 5, for instance, is a known trigger for allergic responses in certain individuals. If you’ve ever felt off after eating something brightly colored, this could be why.

Possible Cancer Risk

The evidence isn’t rock-solid yet, but there’s enough concern about synthetic dyes and cancer to make you pause. Some studies, particularly in animals, have raised questions.

For example, Red 40 has been linked to tumors in lab animals, and Red 3 has been called a carcinogen by some researchers—though it’s still allowed in the U.S. Blue 1 has also shown kidney tumor links in mice. While the FDA says these dyes are safe in regulated amounts, critics argue we need more long-term studies to be sure.

Other Health Issues

Beyond the big three—hyperactivity, allergies, and cancer—there are other potential risks. Some people report migraines, digestive upset, or even hormonal changes after consuming synthetic dyes. A 2018 study in Neurotherapeutics suggested artificial colors might affect learning and memory in animals, hinting at broader cognitive impacts. These effects aren’t as well-studied, but they add to the case for caution.

Specific Examples of Health Problems

Let’s break down some of these risks with concrete examples:

• Hyperactivity and ADHD: Beyond the 2007 study, a 2012 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that cutting artificial dyes from kids’ diets could ease ADHD symptoms in some cases. It’s not a cure, but it’s a clue that these dyes might mess with behavior.
• Cancer and Toxicity: Animal studies have flagged specific dyes as risky. Red 40 caused tumors in lab animals, and Blue 1 was tied to kidney issues in mice. While it’s debated how this translates to humans, it’s unsettling to think your candy might carry even a small risk.
• Behavioral Effects: That 2018 Neurotherapeutics study showed synthetic dyes could impair memory and learning in animals. If this holds true for people, it’s another reason to rethink that neon-colored soda.
  

Natural Alternatives: A Safer Option?

If petroleum dyes are so questionable, why not switch to natural ones? Dyes from fruits, vegetables, and spices—like beet juice (red), turmeric (yellow), or spirulina (blue)—are generally safer. They come from food sources, so they’re less likely to cause reactions or long-term harm. But there’s a catch:

• Cost: Natural dyes are pricier to make.
• Stability: They fade faster and aren’t as bright, which can affect shelf life or appeal.
• Availability: Scaling up production isn’t always easy.

Still, with consumers demanding cleaner ingredients, more companies are making the switch. It’s a trend worth supporting if you’re looking to avoid synthetic dyes.

Why Are They Still Used?

So, if these dyes come with risks, why are they still in your food? It boils down to practical and economic factors:

• Cost: Synthetic dyes are dirt cheap compared to natural options.
• Looks: They deliver bold, uniform colors that grab attention.
• Regulation: The FDA and similar agencies say they’re safe within limits, so there’s no legal push to ban them.
• Habit: People expect bright foods, and manufacturers cater to that.

But as more people learn about the downsides, the tide is slowly turning. Some brands are phasing out synthetic dyes voluntarily, especially in markets where consumers are vocal about it.

What You Can Do

Petroleum food dyes might make your snacks pop with color, but the potential downsides—hyperactivity, allergies, cancer risks, and more—suggest they’re not worth it. The good news? You’ve got options. Check labels for dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, or Blue 1, and opt for foods with natural colors or no added dyes at all. It’s a small step that could cut your exposure to these synthetic chemicals and keep you healthier in the long run.

Next time you’re tempted by a rainbow-colored treat, ask yourself: is the pretty color worth the potential risk? For many, the answer is leaning toward no.

Make America Based Again

At Based, we don't believe in adding any harmful and artificial food additives to our products. In fact, that's essentially our entire ethos. Nutrition, the way nature intended. No fillers, no synthetics, nothing that you shouldn't be putting into your body. That's where our flagship product comes in.

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