More evidence is needed, but some children do experience neurobehavioral effects when they consume dyes.

Design elements: Getty Images.

But the FDA maintains that all the other colorantsexcept Red 3are safe.

But experts say the regulator needs to reevaluate the safety of other food dyes too.

So should you be avoiding other food dyes for safety reasons?

The evidence is still developingbut heres what you should know as you decide.

What and Where Are Food Dyes?

The FDA still approves eight synthetic food dyes for use in food: Blue Nos.

1 and 2, Green No.

3, Red No.

40, Yellow Nos.

5 and 6, Orange B and Citrus Red No.

These dyes are mainly petroleum-based.

Red 40 is the most commonly used synthetic food dye, followed by Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.

But those who are sensitive experience an almost immediate impact when they consume the dyes, she explains.

Other, more long-term side effects of food dyes arent as well known.

Red 3 has an established cancer risk in animals and will be removed from all food by 2027.

To evaluate for carcinogenicity, we use three types of studies, saysEmanuela Taioli, M.D., M.S.

Those studies are cell studies, animal studies and human studies.

Human studies are the hardest to do.

Should You Avoid Food Dyes?

Everyone should avoid Red 3, Benesh says.

As for the other dyes, current evidence suggests that they dont affect every person or child.

So every person has to decide their own risk tolerance, Benesh and Taioli agree.

From a legal standpoint, Benesh said the rest of the food dyes fall short of safe.

Since 2010, CSPI has been recommending that all people avoid food dyes.

If you do want to avoid food dyes, you’ve got the option to shop around them.

But ultimately, consumers need more action from the FDA, Benesh said.

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA to revoke authorization for the use of Red No.

3 in food and ingested drugs.

SafeGuards.EU Place Warning Labels on Foods Containing Dyes.

California Legislative Information.Assembly Bill No.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Color Additives in Food.

Center for Science in the Public Interest.Seeing Red: Time for Action on Food Dyes.

Center for Science in the Public Interest.Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.How Safe Are Color Additives?