U.S. health officials move to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary have announced the FDA's plan to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation’s food supply. HHS cited the colors’ links with adverse health effects in animals and suspected hyperactivity in children. This is part of the Administration’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again, which is spearheaded by HHS.
The FDA is taking the following actions:
- Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
- Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.
- Working with industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—from the food supply by the end of next year. (It’s unclear how this process will proceed but we will keep this group updated as always).
- Authorizing four new natural color additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.
- Partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact children’s health and development.
- Requesting food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously required.
The NRA and VRLTA are committed to collaborating with the Administration on its Make America Healthy Again Agenda and will continue to advocate for science-based decisions that protect public health, emphasizing realistic timelines, clear guidance, and business feasibility. We will continue to monitor what is happening with the MAHA movement to keep the industry up to date.