Why Some Countries Ban Artificial Colors in Kids’ Food (But the U.S. Doesn’t)

If you’ve ever wondered why foods sold in Europe or the U.K. don’t have the same bright-colored cereals, candies, or snacks you see in the U.S., you’re not imagining things. Many countries have banned or require warning labels on artificial food dyes commonly used in American kids' products. Yet, in the U.S., these dyes are still widely approved and found in everything from yogurt tubes to birthday cake mix.

Here’s why some countries have banned artificial colors in kids' foods and why the U.S. still hasn’t.

Which Artificial Colors Are in Question?

Common synthetic dyes found in U.S. foods include:

• Red 40 (Allura Red)

• Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

• Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)

• Blue 1 and Blue 2

• Green 3

These are petroleum-based chemicals used to enhance the appearance of processed foods, snacks, and beverages.

Why Some Countries Ban or Restrict Them

1. Concerns About Hyperactivity and Behavioral Issues

A landmark study from the University of Southampton in 2007 found that artificial colors were associated with increased hyperactivity and attention issues in children, even those without ADHD diagnoses (1).

As a result:

• The European Union requires warning labels on products containing these dyes, stating, “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”

• Many U.K. manufacturers voluntarily removed artificial dyes to avoid the label.

• Some dyes, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, are outright banned in countries like Norway and Austria.

2. Precautionary Public Health Policies

Many European countries apply the precautionary principle, meaning if an ingredient is shown to be potentially harmful, it must be removed or labeled, even if research is ongoing.

The U.S. takes the opposite approach, often requiring definitive proof of harm before acting.

Why the U.S. Still Allows Artificial Dyes

• The FDA continues to approve these dyes, citing that evidence is “inconclusive” or that negative effects occur only in “sensitive individuals” (2).

• The food industry relies on these dyes for shelf appeal and cost efficiency.

• No federal law requires disclosure of behavioral risks related to artificial dyes in the U.S.

Despite this, growing consumer pressure has led many American brands to voluntarily reformulate dyes out of their products sold domestically.

What the Research Really Shows

• A 2012 meta-analysis confirmed that artificial dyes are linked to worsened hyperactivity and attention in children, particularly those already predisposed to these issues (3).

• Some studies suggest artificial dyes may also impact the gut microbiome or contribute to low-grade inflammation, although more research is needed (4).

How Parents Can Avoid Artificial Dyes

• Read labels carefully. Look for Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and others.

• Choose brands that use natural coloring from fruits, vegetables, or spices like beet juice, turmeric, and spirulina.

• Watch “kid-targeted” foods most closely, like cereals, yogurts, snacks, gummies, and drinks.

• Many health-conscious brands in the U.S. already exclude synthetic dyes.

Summary

Many countries restrict or ban artificial colors in kids’ foods based on research linking them to hyperactivity and behavioral concerns. The U.S. lags behind due to different regulatory standards, but parents don’t have to wait for policy change. Reading labels and choosing dye-free products right now can help families can make safer and more gut-friendly choices.