The federal government announced today that food manufacturers will be phasing out eight synthetic dyes from all U.S. products by the end of 2026. This decision reflects the growing influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement, which aims to address the root causes of chronic diseases in the country. Marty Makary, the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), emphasized that the removal of these dyes from both food and medications is part of a broader effort to improve public health, particularly among children.
While food companies have agreed to voluntarily eliminate the artificial dyes, there is no formal agreement or ban in place currently. Makary stated that he prefers to approach this change in a cooperative manner without the need for regulatory changes. The six common dyes affected by this measure are found in popular products like M&Ms, Froot Loops, and Gatorade, as well as in unexpected items like pickles and chocolate milkshakes. The other two less common dyes are Orange B and Citrus Red 2, which are used in sausage casings and to color orange peels, respectively.
Makary suggested that food companies switch to natural alternatives, such as watermelon juice, instead of petroleum-based dyes. He pointed out that major companies like Mars and Kellogg already use natural dyes in products sold in other countries. The FDA plans to expedite the approval of four natural color additives and encourage companies to remove red dye No. 3, which was banned earlier in the year. Additionally, the agency will collaborate with the National Institutes of Health on further research regarding food additives and their impact on children’s health.
Research has linked synthetic food dyes to behavioral issues in children and potential cancer risks in animals. California initiated the crackdown on food dyes with a law banning four additives, including the carcinogenic red dye No. 3. Makary highlighted that the vibrant colors of processed foods could contribute to overeating and health problems like obesity and diabetes.
Responses from consumer safety advocates and nutrition experts varied. While many welcomed the removal of artificial dyes, some criticized the FDA’s regulatory processes. They called for more comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues in food regulation. Various states are considering legislation to restrict dyes and additives, prompting the Consumer Brands Association to appreciate national guidance from the federal government.
Certain food manufacturers have already committed to eliminating artificial dyes from their products, with the International Dairy Foods Association pledging to remove seven dyes from dairy products sold in school lunch programs by 2026. Makary expressed optimism that companies will comply with the new regulations. However, concerns have been raised about the cost and complexity of transitioning to natural dyes, with some industry groups warning of potential supply chain disruptions and increased grocery prices.
Despite these challenges, Makary assured that the transition to natural dyes will not result in higher food prices. The FDA remains committed to promoting public health and reducing the use of synthetic chemicals in the food supply, emphasizing the importance of consumer well-being in the decision-making process. The recent event featuring Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shed light on the importance of transitioning towards a healthier food system in the United States. Kennedy emphasized the need to follow in the footsteps of other countries that have already made significant strides in this area. He highlighted the importance of eliminating harmful ingredients and additives from our food supply to improve overall health.
Other notable speakers at the event included familiar faces like food blogger and activist Vani Hari, physician Mark Hyman, and health entrepreneur Calley Means. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey also spoke about the state-level actions taken to ban artificial dyes in food, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit. Kennedy emphasized that the removal of artificial dyes is just the beginning of a larger effort to address harmful ingredients in our food.
Means previously outlined a strategy of targeting low-hanging fruit like artificial dyes to garner popular support for the movement towards healthier eating. However, deeper solutions proposed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) involve closing loopholes like GRAS, which allow food companies to add new chemicals without government oversight. This would require a comprehensive evaluation of the safety of thousands of chemicals already present in our food supply.
Galligan, a representative from CSPI, expressed concerns about the lack of resources and staffing at the FDA to conduct these necessary safety evaluations. He warned that further cuts to the FDA under the Trump administration could hinder efforts to address the broken system of food regulation in the country. The need for skilled scientists and adequate resources to assess the safety of food chemicals is crucial for ensuring the well-being of consumers.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of the food Americans consume. By addressing harmful ingredients and additives, as well as advocating for stricter regulations and oversight, the movement towards a healthier food system is gaining momentum. It is essential for policymakers, health experts, and activists to work together to prioritize the health and well-being of the public when it comes to food safety.
