ExclusiveThe controversial history of artificial food dyes and how they impact children

Children are very visual, so most food products made for children are very colorful. Unfortunately, these colors are almost always achieved through artificial food dyes rather than natural coloring agents. Over the past few decades, there have been several studies linking FDA-approved artificial food dyes with health problems, particularly behavioral and neurodevelopmental issues in children. With the recent FDA ban of Red No. 3 because of correlations with cancer, the dye debate has gained the public’s attention.
Dyes from natural sources have been used since ancient times, before the first artificial dye, mauveine, was discovered by 18-year-old chemical student William Henry Perkin. After the new mauve dye gained popularity for coloring fabric, artificial dyes began being used in food. In their 100+ years of use, dyes have been controversial, as many vibrant options have been found to be dangerous. Tiffany Brannan analyzes early dye bans, growing health concerns, and resources for avoiding dye.