The Red Dye Dilemma, Part II

By Katrina England 

Jobe Publishing, Inc. 

 

Last week, information was shared regarding the recent legislation surrounding Red Dye No. 3, and Erica Callahan, D.C., M.S.A.C.N – Associate Dean of Chiropractic Education at Campbellsville University- weighed in with her own outlook on food additives and federal changes.  

 This week, the focus is shifting ever so slightly to another additive: Red Dye No. 40. 

 

What is Red Dye No. 40? 

Red Dye No. 40 (Allura Red AC), also known as “Red 40,” is the most widely used food dye in the United States, accounting for over 40% of all synthetic food dyes used annually. This human-made chemical is produced in a lab from petroleum-based materials. It is a completely artificial substance, not a natural one. The process involves mixing petroleum-derived building blocks with other chemicals in an “azo coupling” reaction to form a new molecule that appears red when it absorbs light. 

 Red Dye No. 40 can be found in a vast array of processed foods, beverages, cosmetics, and even medications, including: 

• Sweets and Baked Goods: Candy, cake mixes, frostings, pastries, cookies, gummy candies, fruit snacks, maraschino cherries, popsicles, ice cream, Jell-O, and puddings. 

• Beverages: Sodas, sports and energy drinks, fruit punches, powdered drink mixes, and flavored milk. 

• Savory Foods and Snacks: Certain breakfast cereals, flavored chips, processed meats (like sausages and bacon bits), and condiments (like barbecue sauce and some pickles). 

 Many companies are now moving toward using natural colorings from sources such as beets, carrots, and paprika. However, the best way to avoid artificial dyes is to check the ingredient list on the food packaging. 

 

Potential Health Concerns and New Research 

Some research has linked Red 40 to increased hyperactivity and behavioral changes in certain children, particularly those with ADHD. It may potentially worsen symptoms such as restlessness, excessive talking, anxiety, moodiness, and irritability. 

 “Recent research, including a 2023 study published in Toxicology Reports, has raised red flags about food dyes—particularly Red Dye No. 40,” said Erica Callahan, D.C., M.S.A.C.N., Associate Dean of Chiropractic Education at Campbellsville University. “This dye has been shown to damage DNA, trigger chronic inflammation, and alter the balance of bacteria in the gut—an area crucial to immune function, mood regulation, and healthy growth. While this particular study was conducted on animals, it reflects what we’re beginning to see in humans, too: increased behavioral issues and other health problems tied to synthetic dyes.” 

 Callahan noted that it is particularly troubling that children seem to be more sensitive to these additives than adults, yet many processed foods marketed directly to kids are loaded with them. 

 “As a community, we need to be more aware of what’s going into our food—and what it might be doing to our bodies, especially our children’s,” she urged. “When you combine research like the one stated above and clinical observations with the fact that many other countries have already taken steps to ban synthetic dyes and food additives, it’s encouraging to see the U.S. finally moving in the right direction with recent legislative changes.” 

 While there is no current federal law specifically on Red 40, two bills have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 4958, the “Grocery Reform and Safety Act,” proposes major changes to how the FDA regulates food additives, requiring regular safety reassessments. H.R. 5027, the “Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act,” would explicitly revoke the legal status of several synthetic dyes, including Red 40. 

 It’s also worth noting that countries in the European Union require foods containing Red 40 and other synthetic dyes to carry a warning label stating that they “may have an adverse effect on activity and behavior in children.” 

 

A Family’s Experience with Change 

Barren County resident Lisa Smith understands the significant effects of these additives firsthand.  

 “I have been paying pretty close attention to ingredients with food for my kids for years,” Smith shared. “It wasn’t until my youngest that I realized the effects dyes can have on kids. I have a pretty active, aggressive young son, and when he eats anything with dyes (red being the worst), he would be mean and defiant.” 

 Smith explained that after her family eliminated dyes and focused on protein-rich snacks, they noticed a significant difference in her son’s moods. According to Smith, the change was easy at home, but more difficult when they were out. Regardless, she said her son has learned how to read a label and respectfully decline items. Smith believes the best thing families can do is eliminate as much processed food as possible and focus on nutrient-dense foods. 

 Callahan’s thoughts paralleled Smith’s, emphasizing that “Food is our fuel. When we eat well, our cells work the way they’re supposed to. We feel energized, strong, and ready to take on the day. But when we eat foods that trigger inflammation—often the highly processed kind—we can feel sluggish, unmotivated, and even unwell.” 

 She recommends a simple approach focused on three key food groups: 

• Proteins: eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and meats. 

• Carbohydrates: fruits and vegetables, plus healthy grains like oatmeal. 

• Fats: seeds, nuts, and butter. 

 

Callahan also suggested making healthy eating fun and creative by including many colors from naturally colored foods like berries, carrots, and broccoli, which are packed with beneficial nutrients. 

 

A Life-Changing Transformation 

Kayla Cruse, owner of Grace Nutrition, also has similar findings as Smith.  

 “I was already questioning dyes at the beginning of the year after I had some health problems that led me to almost eliminate everything,” she explained. “But then I watched the documentary To DYE For, and it changed my life.” 

 Cruse said the parallels between the documentary and what she was seeing in her own home were astounding. The next day, she gave away all of the dye-containing food in her home.  

 “(Before eliminating dyes) the emotions and anger kept getting worse, seeing things I’d never imagined from a 5-year-old,” she said. “It was like he didn’t want to act out, but he couldn’t control it.”  

 She described intense, hours-long meltdowns that no discipline or correction could calm. She knew that at worst, eliminating dyes would mean healthier alternatives for her kids, and at best, the change might have a positive impact. She then stated that within 2 weeks, his behavior had made a complete turnaround.  

 “But now, I have my loving son back who can handle a simple no to something without acting out,” she said. 

 While the change was difficult initially, her children have adapted. She talked to her son about the change, and now, he is proficient at asking about foods when he’s unsure. 

 Cruse’s son’s transformation was dramatic.  

 Cruse also had to adapt her habits, like packing her son’s own snacks for haircuts or when he visits friends. She noted, “The hardest part wasn’t inside the home for changes, it’s what is outside the home.” She now plans ahead by packing alternatives or looking up restaurants, striving to ensure her children feel included while making healthier choices. 

 The family’s efforts have paid off. “One day he had a cupcake with sprinkles on it, [and] for 4 days afterwards he was back to his old self,” she explained. “He couldn’t focus; it was like his mind was going 100 places at once.” 

 Though Red 40 doesn’t affect her other two children as severely, Cruse has done enough research to choose to eliminate it for her entire family. “I’m beyond ecstatic about the ban and restrictions on red dye and all dyes,” she said. “I believe that maybe it’s a start to not push so much medication on kids by simply helping their diet. I never thought a simple elimination could make such a big difference for our family.” 

 For any family looking to make a positive change in dietary habits, Callahan offered one of her favorite resources.  

 “One of my favorite books about healthy eating isn’t a textbook—it’s actually a children’s story called The Rechargeables by Tom Rath, who also wrote Eat, Move, Sleep,” she explained. “The book follows a brother and sister who learn that eating nutritious foods and getting good sleep helps “recharge their batteries,” so they can do what kids do best: run, jump, play, and have fun! It’s a simple story, but the message is powerful—what we put into our bodies really matters.”