The US Food and Drug Administration revealed a plan to eliminate eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the American food supply in the coming months due to health and behavioral concerns associated with these additives. These food dyes have been linked to various health problems, prompting the FDA to take action to protect consumers. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted the negative impact of consuming petroleum-based food dyes and emphasized the need to remove them from the food supply.
One dye, Red No. 3, has already been banned by the FDA after it was found to cause cancer in lab rats. The agency has set deadlines to remove Red No. 3 from food and medications by 2027 and 2028, respectively. However, the FDA is requesting food companies to remove Red No. 3 sooner than the set deadlines to prioritize consumer safety. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of artificial food dyes found in various processed foods and beverages and has advocated for their removal from the market.
The FDA is planning to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, in the upcoming months. Additionally, the remaining six synthetic food dyes are expected to be removed from the food supply by the end of 2026. These actions are being taken to address the health concerns associated with these additives and to ensure the safety of consumers. The decision to phase out these food dyes reflects the FDA’s commitment to protecting public health.
Some of the artificial dyes that are being targeted by the FDA include Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Citrus Red No. 2, Green No. 3, Orange B, Red dye 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. These dyes are commonly used in a variety of processed foods and beverages to enhance their appearance. However, research has raised concerns about the potential health risks posed by these additives, including links to cancer, tumors, liver damage, DNA damage, inflammation, hyperactivity, and allergic reactions.
Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Citrus Red No. 2, Green No. 3, Orange B, Red dye 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6 have all been associated with various health issues, prompting the FDA to take action to eliminate them from the food supply. These synthetic food dyes are derived from petroleum and can have harmful effects on human health, particularly in children. By phasing out these additives, the FDA aims to protect consumers from the potential risks posed by these artificial dyes and ensure the safety of the food supply in the United States. The decision to ban these food dyes reflects the growing awareness of the negative impact of artificial additives in foods and beverages.
