In a concerted move aimed at eliminating petroleum-based food additives, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a plan to ban synthetically produced food dyes from American food products. This effort, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stands to benefit the formulation of a considerable range of the country’s popular snack, cereal, and drink items.
Which food dyes are being banned?
The nine synthetic dyes under the ban, which, along with the other popular color additives, have served to transform food into a more inviting form other than that of the chemical food component into alluring visuals appealing to children, are Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. The health advocates contend that these food additives are associated with various health complications, hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer in studies conducted in animals.
According to FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, the agency intends to revoke approvals for these dyes and set national standards for transition to natural alternatives by the end of 2026. “American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,” Makary mentioned in a press conference.
Popular products that will see changes
Consumers can expect to see reformulations of many colorful foods and drinks. Among the items most affected:
- Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) – Common in maraschino cherries, fruit cocktails, and snacks.
- Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) – Found in Kool-Aid, Starburst, and NyQuil.
- Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) – Present in Mountain Dew and Twinkies.
- Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow) – Found in Airheads, Jolly Ranchers, and Lucky Charms.
- Blue No. 1 and No. 2 – Used in M&M’s, Skittles, Takis, and Pop-Tarts.
- Green No. 3 – Found in sherbet and canned peas.
- Citrus Red 2 and Orange B – Used on orange peels and in sausage casings.
Companies will likely turn to natural alternatives like beet, carrot, and watermelon juice to maintain color without the chemicals.
Build more support for voluntary compliance
Instead of enforcing the ban with regulations, the FDA and Kennedy’s team are trying to win cooperation among food producers voluntarily. “We don’t have an agreement; we have an understanding,” said Kennedy, stressing collaboration over confrontation.
Dr. Makary noted that this has been the case so far: “They want to do it.”
Industry concerns and support from the public
Not everyone agreed, however. The International Association of Color Manufacturers criticized the FDA’s time frame as an unrealistic one and pointed out the possible disruption in food production that could ensue. Patient advocates, meanwhile, began celebrating the decision as a victory for public health.
“This marks a new era in safe food for children,” said Vani Hari, a food safety activist. Others, like Dr. Peter Lurie of CSPI, pointed out that food dyes are often only used to make unhealthy foods more appealing.
The food aisles will grow a little less colourful but much more transparent as the change begins.
