Food manufacturers in the United States have committed to phasing out eight synthetic dyes from all products by the end of 2026, as announced by the federal government. This decision reflects the influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement, which aims to address the root causes of chronic diseases, especially in children. Marty Makary, the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), emphasized the need to remove these dyes from food and medications to combat health issues like ADHD and obesity.
While the removal of these artificial dyes is voluntary on the part of food companies, there is currently no formal agreement or ban in place. Makary expressed his belief in a collaborative approach, stating, “Let’s start in a friendly way and see if we can do this without any statutory or regulatory changes.”
The affected dyes include Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Orange B, and Citrus Red 2, all of which are commonly used in various food products. Makary suggested using natural alternatives like watermelon juice instead of petroleum-based dyes. He also mentioned that the FDA plans to expedite the approval of four natural color additives and work with the National Institutes of Health to conduct further research on the impact of food additives on children’s health.
Studies have linked synthetic food dyes to behavioral issues in children and potential carcinogenic effects in animals. California initiated the crackdown on food dyes with a law banning four additives, including red dye No.3. Makary highlighted the role of brightly colored processed foods in influencing children’s eating habits and contributing to health problems like obesity and diabetes.
Consumer food safety advocates and nutrition experts expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While some welcomed the move, others pointed out the need for broader regulatory changes in the food industry. Many states are considering legislation to regulate dyes and additives, with the Consumer Brands Association appreciating national guidance to avoid a patchwork of state laws.
Some food manufacturers, like the International Dairy Foods Association, have already committed to eliminating artificial dyes from their products, particularly those sold in school lunch programs. Makary expressed optimism about companies complying with the initiative, despite concerns about the cost and availability of natural dyes. The International Association of Color Manufacturers raised concerns about supply chain disruptions and increased grocery prices, but Makary reassured that the change won’t lead to higher food costs. Overall, the phase-out of synthetic dyes marks a significant step towards promoting healthier food options for consumers in the United States. The transition to healthier food choices is a global movement that is gaining momentum. At a recent event, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted the progress made in other countries that have already made significant changes to improve the quality of food available to their citizens. Other speakers at the event included familiar faces in the health and wellness community such as food blogger and activist Vani Hari, physician Mark Hyman, and health entrepreneur Calley Means. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey also shared insights on the state-level actions being taken to promote healthier eating habits.
Kennedy emphasized that the decision to eliminate artificial dyes from food products is just the beginning of a larger effort to address harmful ingredients and additives in the American diet. He expressed a commitment to gradually removing all potentially harmful components from food products, one step at a time. Means, a key figure in the movement, has previously outlined a strategy of targeting easily identifiable issues like artificial dyes to build widespread support for the larger mission of promoting healthier food choices.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has called for more comprehensive solutions to address the safety of chemicals in the food supply. One major recommendation is to close the loophole known as GRAS, which allows food companies to introduce new chemicals without government oversight. This would require a systematic review of thousands of chemicals already in use, some of which have been linked to negative health effects. However, the success of these efforts is hindered by significant staffing cuts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which limit the agency’s ability to conduct thorough safety evaluations.
As the movement towards healthier food gains traction, there is a growing recognition of the need for regulatory changes to ensure the safety and quality of the food supply. The ongoing support from organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies helps to sustain efforts to address chronic health issues and promote a culture of wellness. By advocating for stricter regulations and promoting transparency in the food industry, stakeholders are working towards a future where all Americans have access to safe and nutritious food options.
