US Health Officials Urge Foodmakers to Phase Out Artificial Colors

US health officials have announced plans to urge foodmakers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply. However, they stopped short of promising a formal ban and offered few specifics on how they intended to achieve this sweeping change.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference that the agency would take steps to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined the gathering and said he had heard from food manufacturers, but had no formal agreements with them.

“We don’t have an agreement, we have an understanding,” Kennedy said.

Background on Artificial Colors

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 are used widely in US foods. In Canada and 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.

Proposed Move to Natural Alternatives

The officials said the FDA would establish a standard and timeline for the 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.

“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.

The proposed move is aimed at boosting children’s health, he added. “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 the chemicals are safe and suggested they would try to negotiate with regulators to keep them available. “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.

Consumer Brands Association, a trade group for food manufacturers, said it had long asked the FDA to assert its authority to regulate foods at a national level, rather than leaving it to a patchwork of state laws. However, the group also urged FDA officials to “prioritize research that is objective, peer-reviewed, and relevant to human health and safety.”

Health Advocates’ Response

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.”

Removing artificial dyes from foods has long been a goal of so-called MAHA moms, key supporters of Kennedy and his “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives. They were among protesters who signed petitions and rallied outside the Michigan headquarters of WK Kellogg Co. last year, demanding that the company remove artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals in the US.

Natural Alternatives

Many US food companies are already reformulating their foods, according to Sensient Colors, one of the world’s largest producers of food dyes and flavorings. In place of synthetic dyes, foodmakers can use natural hues made from beets, algae, and crushed insects, and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes, and red cabbage.

Hours before the announcement, the International Dairy Foods Association said its members would voluntarily eliminate artificial colors in milk, cheese, and yogurt products sold to US school meal programs by July 2026.

The announcement drew praise from advocates who say the dyes carry health risks and serve no purpose beyond the cosmetic. “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

In conclusion, the FDA’s proposal to phase out artificial colors in the US food supply is a step in the right direction. While the industry response has been mixed, many food companies are already reformulating their products to use natural alternatives. As consumers become more aware of the potential health risks associated with artificial dyes, the demand for natural and healthy food options will continue to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are artificial colors, and why are they used in food?

A: Artificial colors are synthetic dyes used to enhance the appearance of food products. They are used to make foods more appealing and attractive to consumers, especially children.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with artificial colors?

A: Some studies have suggested that artificial colors can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. However, the FDA maintains 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.

Q: What are natural alternatives to artificial colors?

A: Natural alternatives to artificial colors include hues made from beets, algae, and crushed insects, and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes, and red cabbage. Many food companies are already using these natural alternatives in their products.

Q: Will the FDA’s proposal to phase out artificial colors affect the food industry?

A: Yes, the FDA’s proposal will likely affect the food industry, as companies will need to reformulate their products to use natural alternatives. However, many companies are already making this transition, and the demand for natural and healthy food options is expected to continue growing.