Most people would not be able to go a day without consuming something that contains food dyes. Because of that widespread use, most consumers would assume that U.S.-approved food dyes would be safe to eat, but the recent debate over their use may cause Americans to look twice at what’s in their food.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, wants to ban synthetic dyes, but at this, point food manufacturers aren’t mandated to stop using them.

The U.S. has been very lenient on the use of food dyes, only requiring them to be listed in the ingredients. But other countries, such as the U.K., restrict food dyes and require a warning label on any food that contains them. Kennedy’s proposed ban would phase out all dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026.

Kennedy claims to have an “understanding” with the industry and the Food and Drug Administration that food dyes will be phased out. The FDA will be creating a timeline for the banning process to transfer these synthetic dyes to natural alternatives, culminating in 2026.

The FDA will begin the process to ban Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, two not frequently used food dyes. Kennedy plans to phase out the remaining six food dyes — FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Blue No. 2 — by the 2026 deadline.

Food dyes are linked to three genes. One gene produces dopamine, which makes you feel good. The other two genes produce histamine, which makes you feel more alert.

Artificial food dyes are incorporated into the everyday foods of children and teenagers, such as cereals, popular snacks and drinks. For example, Red Dye No. 3 is contained in over 3,000 foods.

Children deal with the brunt of food dye’s impact. According to Ohio State University, food dyes can worsen anxiety, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, which causes frustration and anger. However, some doctors do not want parents to prematurely fear for their children if they have a bag of Takis.

Dr. Jennifer Woo Baidal, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University, says that food dyes overall are not good for children. However, consuming a small amount of dye will not cause the health issues some parents may fear. According to the New York Times, other doctors are urging further research on food dyes and behavioral issues. The FDA will be partnering with the National Institutes of Health to conduct more research on children’s’ health and food dye.

As the debate continues in Washington, freshman Sam Worrall expressed the concerns he’s heard about some food dyes being linked to cancer. Ninth grader Noah Miller-Fimpel has heard similar warnings.

“My mom told me … that red food dye gives you cancer,” Miller-Fimpel said. The FDA found that food dyes do not cause cancer in humans, but may cause cancer in rats.

Next time you grab a snack, look closer at what food dyes it contains, and try to limit your intake. Although there isn’t enough research to confirm that food dyes can cause behavioral problems and hyperactivity, it is best to avoid them to keep clear of potential risks.