Concerns about synthetic dyes in food emerged in the mid-20th century following a wave of childhood illnesses linked to brightly colored Halloween candy. One dye in particular—Orange No. 1, made from coal tar byproducts—caused severe stomach issues and even organ damage in lab tests. Originally approved in 1907, this dye was later found to cause severe health issues in lab tests. Along with the FDA-tested Orange No. 1, two other dyes—Orange No. 2 and Red No. 32—were also tested. The Orange No. 1 tests revealed severe damage to the animals' vital organs, significant changes in their body weight, and premature death. This discovery changed the way people thought about the possible dangers of synthetic dyes in a big way.