FDA food dye phase out: The FDA plans to eliminate eight petroleum-based food dyes from U.S. products by the end of 2026. Concerns about the harmful effects of chemical dyes on human health led Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to support the decision.
A voluntary agreement as opposed to a formal ban
There is currently no law that forbids these colors. Instead, food manufacturers, the FDA, and HHS came to a mutually agreeable accord. The goal is to gradually transition to natural hues and phase out synthetic ones.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary confirmed that the agency will revoke approval for certain synthetic dyes and fast-track new natural options. Officials will create a national transition plan to guide the shift.
Why is the FDA phasing out these dyes?
Synthetic dyes are made from petroleum. Studies suggest links between these dyes and health concerns like:
- ADHD in children
- Cancer
- Organ damage
Although some experts say more research is needed, consumer safety groups have welcomed the precautionary move.
The FDA is removing 8 dyes from food products.
Here are the eight artificial dyes being phased out:
- Red 40 (Allura Red) – Found in candy, cereals, sports drinks, frosting
- Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) – Used in soda, popcorn, spices, and cereal
- Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow) – Found in baked goods, sauces, and cheese
- Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) – Used in ice cream, soups, and icing
- Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine) – Found in cereal, sausages, and cherries
- Green 3 (Fast Green FCF) – Used in candy, dressing, and drinks
- Citrus Red 2 – Used on orange peels in Florida
- Orange B – Previously used in sausage casings
What About Other Banned Dyes?
Dyes like Red 3 are already being phased out due to prior mandates. Others—like Reds 1, 2, 4, and Yellow 1 through 4—were banned decades ago due to possible links to cancer or organ damage.
Why Are Color Additives Used?
The FDA says color additives serve four main purposes:
- Replace color lost during processing or storage
- Correct natural color differences
- Make food more appealing
- Add color to otherwise colorless foods
What Comes Next?
Natural dyes might be more costly and less colorful. Processed goods may appear slightly different when businesses transition to natural coloring. The FDA intends to collaborate with the NIH to investigate the health impacts of plant-based substitutes and approve more of them.
Source: USA Today
