07/06/2025 / By Ava Grace
A startling new study has uncovered that nearly 20 percent of packaged foods and beverages in the U.S. contain synthetic dyes. These chemical additives are linked to hyperactivity, behavioral disorders and neurological harm in children.
The study’s authors examined over 39,000 products sold by the top 25 U.S. manufacturers in 2020, with their findings published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on June 24. They found that these synthetic dyes were present in 19 percent of products – from candy and sports drinks to breakfast cereals and snacks falsely labeled as “healthy.”
Most alarming was the discovery that 28 percent of foods targeting children contained synthetic dyes, compared to just 11 percent of general products. Red Dye No. 40 was the most common offender, appearing in 14 percent of all items analyzed. Other frequently used dyes Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1 were both associated with allergic reactions and neurological damage.
Synthetic dyes, derived from petroleum, are used to enhance the visual appeal of processed foods. But these chemicals serve no nutritional purpose, and often mask low-quality ingredients.
The study also revealed a troubling pattern. Foods containing synthetic dyes contained, on average, 141 percent more sugar than those without. Products with dyes had 33.3 grams of sugar per 100 grams, compared to just 13.8 grams in dye-free alternatives.
This combination of artificial colors and high sugar content creates a dangerous mix, increasing risks for childhood behavioral issues, metabolic disorders and long-term health problems. (Related: Study: Artificial food dyes linked to BEHAVIORAL ISSUES in kids.)
Dr. Elizabeth Dunford of the University of North Carolina, the study’s lead researcher, noted that food manufacturers appear to use synthetic dyes to market hyper-sweetened products. Food companies are effectively engineering foods to be both visually and chemically addictive, she noted.
Each synthetic dye carries unique risks, yet all share a common trait. They are unnecessary additives with documented health hazards. Here are some to watch out for:
Despite decades of research, these chemicals remain staples in the U.S. food supply. The Food and Drug Administration‘s delayed ban on Red Dye No. 3 – effective in 2025 but giving manufacturers until 2027 to comply – underscores the sluggish pace of food safety regulation. Meanwhile, six other synthetic dyes remain legal despite evidence of harm.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans to phase out synthetic dyes. But with no clear timeline, consumers remain at risk. Critics argue that voluntary industry measures are insufficient, pointing to Europe’s mandatory warning labels as a more effective approach.
While policymakers lag behind, parents and health-conscious consumers can take proactive steps:
The widespread use of synthetic dyes in America’s food supply highlights a disturbing prioritization of corporate profits over public health. With children being disproportionately targeted, the stakes are alarmingly high. While individual vigilance can help, lasting change requires stronger regulations, corporate transparency and consumer demand for cleaner food.
Watch this video that discusses the dangers and toxicity of food dyes.
This video is from the Take Control of your Health! channel on Brighteon.com.
Research shows food dyes can damage DNA structure and cause cancer.
Understanding how food dyes impact children’s health: Their history, politics, alternatives.
RFK Jr. gives food companies two years to remove harmful artificial dyes.
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Brain, brain damaged, brain function, chemicals, clean food watch, Dangerous, food colorings, food science, ingredients, Mind, packaged foods, poison, research, stop eating poison, synthetic dyes, toxic ingredients, toxins
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