Synthetic Colorants/FD&C/Lake DyesUpdated a month ago

Lake dyes or FD&C colorants are synthetic, petroleum-derived ingredients that add color to cosmetics, skincare, other personal care products (like mouthwash), food (yes, food!), and various other products on the market. 

There are currently nine certified color additives that have been “extensively studied” and “permanently approved” by the FDA for use in food: 

FD&C Blue No. 1

• Confections, beverages, cereals, frozen dairy desserts, popsicles, frostings & icings

FD&C Blue No. 2

• Baked goods, cereals, snack foods, ice cream, confections, and yogurt

FD&C Green No. 3

• Cereal, ice cream, sherbet, drink mixers, and baked goods

Orange B

• Only approved for use in hot dog and sausage casings

Citrus Red No. 2

• Only approved for use to color orange peels

FD&C Red No. 3

• Confections, beverages, cereals, ice cream cones, frozen dairy desserts, popsicles, frostings & icings

FD&C Red No. 40

• Cereal, beverages, gelatins, puddings, dairy products, and confections

FD&C Yellow No. 5

• Confections, cereals, snack foods, beverages, condiments, baked goods, and yogurt

FD&C Yellow No. 6

• Cereals, snack foods, baked goods, gelatins, beverages, dessert powders, crackers, and sauces

Names for these synthetic colorants you may see on product labels are Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, etc. You will also see FD&C colorants can have the word “lake” added to the name, which means that these petroleum-derived, synthetic colorants have also been mixed with additional ingredients including but not limited to calcium and/or aluminum. For example: Red Lake 7

The FDA is correct that these synthetic colorants have been extensively researched, and several studies conclude that these colorants can, in fact, have a negative effect on behavior and overall health (mimics estrogen in the body=endocrine disruption and can even be carcinogenic). Not to mention that due to the nature of manufacturing, these colorants are also at a higher risk for heavy metal contamination. What’s even more alarming is that these colorants aren’t permitted for use in personal care or as food additives in some countries. Recently California led the nation with the first ban on six harmful food dyes in school food.  Hopefully this is one of many initiatives we see in the near future.