What do you think when you hear the word “food coloring”? Bright cakes, rainbow candy, or perhaps a glass of delicious lemonade? But what if their vibrant color that made our food look appealing and appetizing were removed from our foods, leaving a dull, lifeless meal? Recently, the FDA is working on the ban and removal of all synthetic petroleum food dyes by 2026 yet no formal legislation or agreement was documented on this matter or agreed upon. Many people are supportive of the ban as it would be something beneficial, and more healthy for people’s bodies, especially for children. 

Although food coloring may seem appealing to the sight it is certainly dangerous if it contains petroleum as it can cause behavioral problems in children and kill helpful cells as according to CNN Health, “For decades, research in animals has shown a potential link between artificial food dyes like red No. 3, red No. 40, blue No. 2 and green No. 3 and an increased risk of cancer or tumors. Other research shows that red No. 40 and yellow No. 5 and No. 6 contain or may be contaminated with known carcinogens.” This highlights that there are many potential dangers contained in food coloring that could be altering our behaviors and health, increasing the probability of cancer and whatnot. 

Furthermore, there aren’t any agreements enforcing these terms, but there are many people who agree with the ban of artificial food coloring, labeling it as a health hazard. Through this, there could be a petition or a further advancement as we reach closer to the midpoint of 2025.