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Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Food Dye Ban: What Health Risks Do the 8 Additives Being Phased Out Have?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Donald Trump's administration has announced a plan to phase out eight synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026. The Food and Drug Administration's decision to remove the petroleum-based artificial color additives follows mounting scientific evidence and advocacy from health organizations such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which has long warned of the risks associated with synthetic dyes. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly criticized food additives, said at a news conference announcing the policy change on Tuesday that if consumers "want to eat petroleum, they ought to add it themselves at home." Why It Matters The FDA's policy change reflects growing concern over the potential health consequences of color additives, particularly for children and Kennedy Jr. repeatedly calling for attention to the issue of American health. Synthetic dyes offer no nutritional value and are often added for purely aesthetic reasons, according to CSPI. Several of the targeted dyes have already been banned in California, as they have been linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions and cancer risks in animal studies. While the FDA has historically maintained that these dyes are safe in regulated quantities, critics argue that newer research justifies their removal. Which Food Dyes Are Being Phased Out? The FDA has moved to eliminate the following eight dyes from the U.S. food market: Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine) Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF) Citrus Red No. 2 Orange B These dyes are commonly used in products such as candies, cereals, beverages and snacks - many of which are marketed to children. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the FDA's intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply at the Hubert... Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the FDA's intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. More AP What Health Risks Do the Food Dyes Have? Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC): This dye has been linked to behavioral changes in children. Research found that it may also cause hypersensitivity reactions. Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine): Tartrazine has been shown in research to cause allergic reactions, particularly in people who are sensitive to aspirin, and hyperactivity in children. It has also been found to contain benzidine, a contaminant classified as a human carcinogen. Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF): Animal tests referenced in the CSPI report linked this additive to adrenal and kidney tumors, though the FDA dispute these findings. It is also suspected to exacerbate hyperactivity in children. Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): Research found that this dye may interfere with nerve cell development. Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine): This dye has shown evidence of brain tumor development in rats. Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF): This dye has been associated with bladder tumors in animal research. Citrus Red No. 2: This dye, which is primarily used on the skin of oranges, has been shown to cause bladder and internal tumors in animal studies. Orange B: Once used in sausage casings, this dye has mostly fallen out of use. Still, studies cited by CSPI linked it to carcinogenic outcomes in lab animals. What People Are Saying FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said at a news conference on Tuesday: "The FDA will establish a standard and timeline for industry to switch to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in production within coming weeks and take steps to remove remaining dyes on the market." Kennedy Jr. said at the same news conference: "Food dye is just a no-brainer. Nobody wants to eat petroleum. Everybody knows there's enough science out there that we know it's terrible for you. It causes health problems but also behavioral problems." Newsweek has contacted the FDA and the HSS, via email, for comment. What Happens Next The FDA has urged manufacturers affected by the ban to shift toward using natural coloring agents such as beet, watermelon or carrot juice. Authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B is set to be revoked in the coming months but manufacturers have until the end of 2026 to removed the other six from their supply.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Trump Admin Sets Deadline for Eliminating 8 Food Dyes in US Foods
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. health officials announced Tuesday that they will begin phasing out petroleum-derived artificial color additives from the national food supply—a move that could lead to major reformulations of many vividly colored products found on store shelves. At a news conference, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary outlined the agency's plan to eliminate eight synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026. As part of the initiative, the FDA will set clear industry standards and timelines for transitioning to natural color alternatives. In the coming weeks, the agency will also revoke approval for any dyes no longer in production and begin the process of removing the remaining synthetic dyes currently on the market. The eight synthetic food dyes targeted for removal are: Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC); Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine); Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF); Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF); Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine); Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF); Citrus Red No. 2; Orange B. A woman holds a sign reading "MAHA Moms" at a press conference with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner (FDA) Martin Makary on the... A woman holds a sign reading "MAHA Moms" at a press conference with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner (FDA) Martin Makary on the intent of the FDA to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply, at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, on April 22, measure is a key component of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s broader "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. The change marks a substantial shift for U.S. food manufacturers, many of whom would need to reformulate products using natural color alternatives. Advocates for public health have long pushed for the removal of synthetic dyes, citing research—though mixed—that links these additives to neurobehavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity and attention deficits. While the FDA has consistently maintained that approved color additives are safe, the agency acknowledges that "the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives." Currently, the FDA authorizes the use of 36 color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency declared that Red 3—a dye found in certain candies, baked goods, and pharmaceuticals—would be banned by 2028 due to its link to cancer in laboratory animals. The targeted dyes are widely used in American food products. In contrast, many companies in Canada and Europe have already transitioned to natural alternatives, partly due to regulations that require warning labels on foods containing artificial colors. A growing number of U.S. states, including California and West Virginia, have recently passed laws restricting or banning artificial dyes and other additives from school meals and, in some cases, from the broader food supply. This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available. Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill would prohibit Red 40 in foods sold in Tennessee school lunch programs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A bill making its way through the Tennessee General Assembly would prohibit any foods or drinks sold on school campuses from containing Red 40, with certain exceptions. Brought by Rep. Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) and Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), the bill would prohibit any foods provided through the school nutrition program from containing Allura Red AC, also known as Red 40, in any public schools, public charter school, or a 'third party expressly authorized' by the school system or charter school. According to Davis, the bill would not apply to foods sold at concession stands, for school fundraisers, or foods available in vending machines on campuses. Davis said during a House subcommittee in March the substance wasn't simply a 'harmless color additive,' but rather, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. Additionally, Davis said Red 40 is linked to a range of health concerns, including hyperactivity, attention disorder and behavioral issues in children. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned the use of Red No. 3 in foods and ingested drugs due to its link to causing cancer in certain rats; though, the FDA admitted the way the dye causes cancer in male rats 'does not occur in humans.' The bill is set for discussion among the full House Monday, according to information from the state capitol website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
