FDA plans to phase out synthetic food dyes for children’s health

In a move aimed at safeguarding children’s health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the nation’s food supply as soon as possible. 

This initiative targets eight widely used artificial colorings – including Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, and Orange B – which are prevalent in numerous processed foods and beverages.

The decision follows mounting scientific evidence linking these dyes to adverse health effects in children, such as hyperactivity, attention deficits, and potential carcinogenicity. Notably, Red No. 3 has been associated with cancer in animal studies, prompting its earlier ban on cosmetics and now extending to food products.

“These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has highlighted that many of these dyes are banned in other countries due to health concerns yet remain prevalent in the U.S. food industry.

In response to these concerns, the FDA is expediting the approval process for natural color alternatives, such as beet juice, butterfly pea flower extract, and gardenia blue. These natural dyes are being considered to replace synthetic ones in various food products. However, manufacturers face challenges in transitioning to natural dyes, including higher costs, potential changes in product taste and appearance, and shorter shelf life.

Major food companies are beginning to adapt to these changes. PepsiCo, for instance, announced plans to accelerate the removal of artificial dyes from its U.S. food products, aiming to eliminate them by the end of the year. CEO Ramon Laguarta noted 60% of PepsiCo’s U.S. food business is already free from artificial colors.

The financial implications of this change are significant. Replacing synthetic dyes with natural alternatives may increase production costs by up to 10%, potentially leading to higher consumer prices. This is particularly concerning, given food costs have risen by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024.

The movement to eliminate synthetic food dyes has garnered bipartisan support, with states like California and West Virginia enacting laws banning these dyes in school foods. Grassroots organizations, such as the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, led by conservative mothers, have also played a pivotal role in advocating for cleaner food standards.

While the FDA claims currently approved dyes are generally safe, it acknowledges many have not been re-evaluated in decades. The agency is partnering with the National Institutes of Health to conduct further research on the effects of food additives on child development.

Also Read:

1. US to phase out many synthetic food dyes, Kennedy and FDA head say
2. FDA says it will phase out petroleum-based food dyes, authorize four natural color additives
3. US health officials seek to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply
4. Trump administration to announce plan to remove artificial food dyes from US food supply
5. Over half of US states are trying to eliminate food dyes. Here’s what you can do now