Introduction to the FDA’s Plan
U.S. health officials on Tuesday said they would urge food makers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply, but stopped short of promising a formal ban and offered few specifics on how they intended to achieve the sweeping change.
The FDA’s Proposal
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference that the agency would take steps to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who joined the gathering, said he had heard from food manufacturers, but had no formal agreements with them.
Understanding the Agreement
“We don’t have an agreement, we have an understanding,” Kennedy said.
Steps to be Taken
The officials said the FDA would establish a standard and timeline for industry to switch to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in production within coming weeks and take action to remove remaining dyes on the market.
The Goal of the Proposal
“Today, the FDA is asking food companies to substitute petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children as they already do in Europe and Canada,” Makary said.
Health Concerns
Red food dye is commonly used in beverages, snacks and candies, but it’s come under scrutiny for possible links to cancer and behavioral problems in children.
The proposed move is aimed at boosting children’s health, he added.
The Experiment on Children
“For the last 50 years we have been running one of the largest uncontrolled scientific experiments in the world on our nation’s children without their consent," he said.
Industry Response
Industry groups said that the chemicals are safe and suggested they would try to negotiate with regulators to keep them available.
Statement from the National Confectioners Association
“FDA and regulatory bodies around the world have deemed our products and ingredients safe, and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration and Congress on this issue,” said Christopher Gindlesperger, spokesman for the National Confectioners Association. “We are in firm agreement that science-based evaluation of food additives will help eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in our national food safety system.”
Health Advocates’ View
Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.”
Red No. 3
Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye that has been linked to cancer in animals and is already banned or severely restricted in places outside the U.S., including Australia, Japan and countries in the European Union.
Current Regulations
The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency announced that the dye known as Red 3 — used in candies, cakes and some medications — would be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats.
Artificial Dyes in Foods
Artificial dyes are used widely in U.S. foods. In Canada and in Europe — where synthetic colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers mostly use natural substitutes. Several states, including California and West Virginia, have passed laws restricting the use of artificial colors in foods.
Reaction to the Announcement
The announcement drew praise from advocates who say the dyes carry health risks and serve no purpose beyond the cosmetic.
Statement from the Center for Science in the Public Interest
“Their only purpose is to make food companies money,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and a former FDA official. “Food dyes help make ultraprocessed foods more attractive, especially to children, often by masking the absence of a colorful ingredient, like fruit.”
Conclusion
The FDA’s plan to phase out artificial dyes from the US food supply is a significant step towards improving children’s health. While the proposal has received praise from health advocates, industry groups have expressed concerns about the timeline and the potential impact on food production. As the FDA moves forward with its plan, it will be important to monitor the progress and address any challenges that arise.
FAQs
- What is the FDA’s plan regarding artificial dyes in foods?
The FDA plans to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply by the end of 2026. - Why is the FDA taking this step?
The proposed move is aimed at boosting children’s health, as artificial dyes have been linked to possible cancer and behavioral problems in children. - How will the FDA achieve this goal?
The FDA will establish a standard and timeline for industry to switch to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in production, and take action to remove remaining dyes on the market. - What is the response from industry groups?
Industry groups have expressed concerns about the timeline and the potential impact on food production, but some have also pledged to voluntarily eliminate artificial colors in certain products. - What are the alternatives to artificial dyes?
Natural hues made from beets, algae, crushed insects, and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes, and red cabbage can be used as alternatives to synthetic dyes.
