Unwrapping the risks of synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide in holiday treats
- Brooke G
- Dec 5, 2024
- 4 min read
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The holiday season is when many indulge in seasonal treats, with peppermint flavoured frosted cookies and brightly colored confections filling our tables and stomachs.
But behind the festive colors lies a darker truth. Many of these snacks get their splashy appearance from synthetic food dyes and other additives, like titanium dioxide. And they may pose health risks beyond the inevitable sugar coma.
What's in the color?
Holiday goodies frequently get their bright colors from synthetic dyes like Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, Green Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5 and Yellow Dye No. 6.
These dyes are used to create vibrant hues, but they’re associated with a range of health risks. Research is ongoing, but has already uncovered specific risks with all seven dyes:
Blue 1: A study observed developmental delays and behavioral difficulties in animals. Another study found that when combined with other additives, this dye was associated with harmful effects on nervous system cells.
Blue 2: Consumption of this chemical caused an increased incidence of tumors in rats though limited individual studies have been conducted.
Green 3: An animal study found a possible increase in bladder tumors but limited individual studies have been conducted.
Red 3: Ingestion of this chemical caused cancer in rats. It is banned from use in cosmetics, as enforced by the FDA.
Red 40: Hazardous to children’s brains during critical periods of development.
Yellow 5: In children with suspected hyperactivity, as little as one milligram of this dye can negatively affect behavior, causing irritability and restlessness and disturbing sleep.
Yellow 6: Studies found this dye may be contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical benzidine or other harmful substances.
Red 3 is banned from all food uses in the European Union, aside from the narrow exception of candied cherries. In the U.S., it’s banned in cosmetics but remains widely used in foods like holiday-themed gummies and peppermint candy.
The EU has also added warning labels to products containing Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 40 and Yellows 5 and 6.
With federal government regulations falling short in protecting consumers from harmful ingredients in food, EWG has worked with California lawmakers to enact laws that safeguard you and your family.
In 2023, California legislation co-sponsored by EWG was signed into law, ending food uses of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, in addition to Red 3.
In September 2024 California enacted another law co-sponsored by EWG, banning six harmful dyes – Red 40 as well as Blue 1 and 2, Green 3 and Yellow 5 and 6 – from food served in the state’s public schools.
Troubling titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide gives food products a brighter white color or smoother texture. It can boost foods’ appeal too by making other colors more vibrant. But it has no nutritional benefit.
For years, scientists have voiced concerns about the potential toxicity of ingesting titanium dioxide. Building on work nearly a decade old, a 2020 study said there’s no evidence of the chemical’s safety. And concerns have emerged about exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in candy, especially since it is commonly eaten by children, who are more vulnerable than adults to harm from toxic chemicals.
Nanoparticles are extremely small – undetectable to the human eye – and their chemical and physical properties may differ from those of larger particles.
Most recently, a study found nanoparticles in food can cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus, leaving it at greater risk of potentially life-threatening food allergies.
The EU decided in 2016 there was no proof that titanium dioxide harms consumers’ health. The European Food Safety Authority reevaluated this in 2021 to consider the impact of nanoparticles. The safety authority concluded that these particles can accumulate in the body – the possibility remains that titanium dioxide in food can cause chromosomal damage and break DNA strands.
As a result of these findings, the food safety authority declared the chemical unsafe for consumption.
But titanium dioxide is still used in the U.S. in sweets such as candy canes. In fact, it’s been 50 years since federal regulators last assessed its safety.
Finding safer alternatives
Hidden risks in holiday treats don’t need to cast shadows on the season. Many companies are stepping away from synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide, turning instead to natural colorants like beet juice, turmeric and spirulina.
For your health and safety, it’s important to make informed choices. Here are a few science-backed tips:
Check food product labels and avoid those with titanium dioxide and synthetic food dyes. Food companies must list these chemicals on packaged food ingredient labels. In some instances, titanium dioxide may simply be listed as “artificial color” or “color added.”
Steer clear of synthetic dyes. Avoid food colorings such as Red 3 and 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 1 and 2 and Green 3, especially in treats for children.
Consult EWG’s Food Scores database to find products without titanium dioxide or harmful food dyes. When you’re on the go, use our Healthy Living app to find products without toxic chemicals.
Whenever possible, choose packaged foods that are certified organic. These products must meet strong standards that protect consumers, including bans on some potentially harmful artificial additives.
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