4/23/2025

The U.S. is ditching food dyes—will Canada follow?

As the U.S. pulls synthetic dyes from the food chain, Canada risks falling behind—not because the science has changed, but because the politics of perception has

Sylvain Charlebois

big chewy nerds with red dye 40 in ingredients

Ingredients list for a package of Big Chewy Nerds, featuring Red Dye No. 40.

It appears that “Make America Healthy Again” is more than just a catchy slogan. Under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Trump administration is preparing to phase out several petroleum-based synthetic food dyes—specifically Red Dye No. 40, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—citing links to cancer and behavioural issues in children. Some dyes will be removed from the U.S. market within months, while Red Dye No. 40 is set to disappear by the end of next year.

This policy shift builds on a move initiated by the outgoing Biden administration in January, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would revoke authorization for Red Dye No. 3—another synthetic dye previously approved for foods and medications. In Canada, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B are already banned. Red Dyes No. 3 and No. 40 remain permitted, although with stricter usage thresholds than in the U.S.

These dyes have been part of the North American food landscape since the 1970s, primarily used to enhance the visual appeal of products like sodas, cereals, baked goods, and candies. Their use, when consumed in moderation, is not considered dangerous. For Red Dye No. 40, Health Canada sets the acceptable daily intake at 7 mg per kilogram of body weight. For a 77 kg adult (roughly 170 lbs), that translates to a daily threshold of around 500 mg—comfortably within the limits designed to ensure safety over a lifetime of consumption.

However, the evolving science of food and health tends to nudge policy decisions forward. A systematic review published in Environmental Health highlighted evidence of a possible link between synthetic food dyes and negative behavioural effects in children. While far from conclusive, the study suggested that existing safety limits might not fully protect vulnerable populations. Similar concerns have surfaced in other research over the years.

Alternatives do exist. More natural food dyes—such as curcumin, carotenes, paprika extract, anthocyanins, and beet juice—can replace synthetic counterparts. Yet these options come with trade-offs. They’re less vibrant, more sensitive to heat and light, and generally more expensive. These characteristics reduce shelf life and complicate distribution, ultimately raising costs for manufacturers and retailers alike.

The timing of the U.S. announcement, notably just days after Easter—a time when children across North America consume large amounts of candy laden with synthetic dyes—is no coincidence. The White House likely delayed the announcement to avoid disrupting holiday consumer habits or prompting difficult questions from parents.

READ: Health Canada says synthetic red food dye banned by FDA poses no human risk in Canada

Now, all eyes turn to Health Canada. Thus far, our regulators maintain that synthetic dyes used within current guidelines pose no significant risk to human health. But science is no longer the final word in the public arena. In today’s risk-averse climate, perception often outweighs data—particularly when it comes to the safety of children’s food.

Given the deep integration of the U.S. and Canadian economies, it’s reasonable to expect regulatory alignment. Many Canadian food manufacturers export to the United States and will have no choice but to comply with new U.S. standards. Maintaining separate formulations for different markets is both costly and inefficient. In many cases, it may be more economical for companies to adopt a uniform formulation across the continent, even if it increases ingredient costs or reduces product shelf life.

Whether Health Canada chooses to act proactively or reactively, this shift in U.S. policy is likely to influence Canadian regulations. If Ottawa remains silent, public pressure may build, especially as Canadian consumers become more aware of the differences in food dye regulations across the border.

“Make America Healthy Again” may soon become more than just an American political slogan—it could usher in a new era of food dye reform across North America. And if it does, the Canadian food industry—and its regulators—will need to be ready.