Bob,

I don't really think that the dye is the issue. The dyes used for dyed mulch are normally either iron oxide or vegetable dyes and they are supposed to be non-toxic to plants and animals. However, some really cheap wood is used to make the dyed mulch (since the dye is going to hide how ugly it is) and often it is old pallets that have been ground up/chipped/shredded/smashed....or however you would describe it. Often, those pallets are made from wood that was treated with arsenic. Is that something to be concerned about? Only you can decide.

Personally, if it was my garden, I'd err on the side of safety and move the mulch to a bed of non-edibles and replace it. Honestly, though, I suspect the risk of arsenic or any dye compound washing into the soil and then being taken up by the plants is slim. I'd be more concerned about root crops in the area than non-root veggies.

Dawn

Me personally I would choose a non-colored mulch, because last year my Father planted some 3ft tall blue spruce in the front patio area and then covered the whole patch with red mulch of some sort and I believe that the mulch is the main reason that they died off on us. I could see some of the red dye in the leaves/Needles, which made the blue spruce look more like a purple spruce. But I am sorry I don't know which brand it was exactly or have much experience with it other than that.

I learn so much here!