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U.S. Plans to Ban Synthetic Food Dyes by 2026

In a significant policy shift, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has laid out plans to eliminate petroleum-based artificial food colors from the American food supply.

On April 22, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Kennedy, along with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, revealed the intention to phase out seven synthetic food dyes that the FDA has historically allowed in food products and medications. Currently, the FDA permits 36 different food color additives, including those proposed for removal.

Earlier this year, the FDA had already announced a prohibition on Red Dye No. 3 from food, drinks, and ingestible drugs, mandating its removal by mid-January 2027 for food items and by 2028 for pharmaceuticals.

During the announcement, Dr. Makary expressed concerns regarding the potential risks associated with food dyes, particularly in children. He referenced a study highlighting the negative behavioral impacts these additives might have. His emphasis on urgency signifies a determination to eliminate these synthetic dyes from the U.S. marketplace by the close of 2026.

Details on the Dyes Being Banned

The synthetic dyes set for removal include Red 3, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Green 3. These color additives are prevalent in numerous consumable products available in U.S. supermarkets—ranging from cereals and candies to sodas and baked goods. For instance, Skittles feature several of these dyes, including Red 40, while M&M’s are also colored with a combination of these additives.

Interestingly, while some of these chemicals are still permitted in Europe—such as Red 3, which remains in maraschino cherries—the continent requires transparent labeling of such additives on product packaging. In contrast, the U.S. has lagged in this practice, raising concerns among health advocates.

Research on the impacts of food dyes is relatively sparse; however, officials often refer to a 2021 investigation by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which indicated that certain synthetic dyes might contribute to behavioral issues in children. A 2023 study published in the journal Toxicology Reports further revealed potential harmful effects from Red 40, including DNA damage and changes in colonic health in animal subjects.

Implementation Plan for the Ban

While specific details regarding the implementation were sparse during the announcement, the HHS outlined a plan to establish a timeline and national standards to shift the food industry away from petrochemical dyes toward natural alternatives. Additionally, the FDA intends to revoke the authorization of two synthetic colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—in the near future.

In collaboration with food businesses, FDA aims to eliminate the remaining synthetic dyes—including FD&C Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2—by the end of next year.

Furthermore, plans include the approval of four new natural color additives, and a commitment to fast-track evaluations of various natural alternatives like calcium phosphate and extracts from plants such as gardenia and butterfly pea flower. The FDA will also explore the effects of food additives on children’s health through research in partnership with the National Institutes of Health.

Kennedy recognized the cooperative efforts of major food corporations that have been working alongside the administration, reaffirming a commitment to continue removing questionable ingredients from the food supply.

Public and Expert Response

Support for this initiative is evident, particularly from consumer advocacy circles. Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at Consumer Reports, commented on the development, noting the challenges ahead as the FDA embarks on this multistep journey. He underscored the importance of ongoing legislative efforts at the state level to ban harmful chemicals in food products.

This is a developing story and will be updated with new details.

Source
www.foodandwine.com