The Department of Health and Human Services is calling on companies to phase out all petroleum-based dyes by the end of next year, Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr. announced.

I-Wei Huang – stock.adobe.com Blue No. 2, also known as indigo carmine or indigotine, mimics the color and properties of plant-based indigo dye in products like Skittles and blueberry Pop-Tarts.

Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine): This dye has shown evidence of brain tumor development in rats. Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF): This dye has been associated with bladder tumors in animal research.

Studies on food dyes, especially ones like Red Dye 40 (Allura Red), Yellow Dye 5 (Tartrazine), Blue Dye 1 (Brilliant Blue), and Blue Dye 2 (Indigo Carmine) suggest these potential side effects ...

Blue 2, also sometimes labeled as Indigotine or Indigo Carmine, can also be found in other products like soaps, shampoos and even some dog foods. Green No. 3 In addition to some food products ...