9 Common U.S. Ingredients That Are Illegal in Other Countries

COLORING AGENTS BLUE 1, BLUE 2, YELLOW 5 AND YELLOW 6

These numerical hues might sound harmless, even right out of a Dr. Seuss book, but they’re code names for synthetic food dyes. These chemicals are common in the United States, and they’re used to make food more attractive and appetizing—especially for kids.

Think: fluorescent juices, rainbow cereals, multi-hued candy. ‘In Europe, many products with food dyes have been taken off the shelves, labeled as dangerous, or had the dye removed as they have been linked to hyperactivity in children,’ says Eliza Savage, RD, New York City-based dietitian.

‘Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) also reported that dyes may cause organ damage, cancer, birth defects, allergic reactions, hyperactivity or behavioral problems in children whether or not should be banned in US.’ That’s right—their nutritional purpose is nonexistent—they’re merely a cosmetic enhancement of food.