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Time of India
04-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
FDA to ban food dye: 10 foods that will look 'different' without food dyes
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to ban or phase out several synthetic food dyes , including Red 3, due to concerns about potential health risks, particularly cancer in lab rats. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They are also initiating the process to revoke authorization for other synthetic dyes, such as Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and are working with the industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. However, last month, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took this initiative a step further and announced that both the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA will start to roll out a ban on the following synthetic food dyes: Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. Now, these dyes aren't just found in candy or snacks—some produce, dairy, meat, and other surprising products will be impacted by this new legislation. As the FDA is partnering with NIH to study the impact of food additives on children's health and development, while promoting the use of natural color additives as replacements, here are the 10 foods that will 'lose their look' without the color additives! Cereal: Cereals such as Lucky Charms and Froot Loops have long been known to contain food dyes like Red No. 40, Blue No. 1, and Yellow No. 5. However, the prevalence of these dyes in many cereals—including Fruity Pebbles, Trix, Fruity Cheerios, Apple Jacks, and Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries—might be surprising. Manufacturers will need to explore alternative methods to achieve vibrant colors without using these particular dyes. Salad Dressing: Have you ever noticed the classic orange color of Kraft's Creamy French Dressing? This hue is primarily due to the inclusion of Yellow No. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 5 and Yellow No. 6, which will be banned. Additionally, Kraft's Classic Catalina dressing contains Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1. Regardless of whether these products contain dyes or not, making salad dressings at home can be a healthier and more flavorful option for enhancing greens. Sausage: It may come as a surprise that some hot dogs and sausage casings are dyed using Orange B. While this gives them a distinctly appealing look, consumers can expect a change during the 2027 season when these products will likely be dye-free. Oranges: Food dye bans even affect fresh produce. For example, Florida oranges are often dyed with Citrus Red 2 to achieve a vibrant orange peel. This practice is common due to specific climatic or cultural conditions that result in oranges maturing with a green hue. As a result, you might see more green oranges in the market once the dye ban is enacted, but rest assured, they are still ripe and ready to eat. Canned Vegetables: Canned vegetables offer a convenient and economical way to boost fiber intake. However, without food dye Blue No. 1, canned peas may lose some of their bright green color. Despite this change, their nutritional value and taste will remain unchanged. Preserved Fruit: Similar to canned vegetables, preserved fruit products like jams, jellies, and marmalades may contain various food dyes. Dried fruits such as papaya, mango, and kiwi often have dyes like Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, or Blue No. 1 added to enhance their appearance. Yogurt: Food dyes are not exclusive to children's yogurt; brands like Dannon Light + Fit and Yoplait also utilize dyes such as Red No. 40, Blue No. 1, or Yellow No. 6 for color enhancement. Consumers can expect a more subdued color in yogurt varieties like strawberry Yoplait Light or Key lime Light + Fit Greek yogurt in the future. Drink Mixes and Electrolyte Drinks: Many popular drink brands, including Gatorade, Powerade, and Pedialyte, include dyes like Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1 in their ingredients. Additionally, powdered drink mixes like Sunkist, Country Time, 4C, Kool-Aid, and Crystal Light rely on food dyes for visual appeal. Be prepared for potential differences in appearance when they come to market without these dyes; you may need to stir or shake them more thoroughly. Seasonings: Certain seasoning mixes, such as Great Value's Lemon & Pepper Seasoning, derive their color from artificial dyes. As a result, the colors in meals may appear more muted post-ban. Incorporating fresh ingredients, such as lemon slices, can help enhance the color of dishes like Grilled Lemon-Pepper Salmon in Foil. Condiments and Sauces: In addition to salad dressings, various condiments in your refrigerator will also be impacted by the food dye ban. Products like Great Value's Cocktail Sauce and Vlasic's Sweet Relish currently contain dyes such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, which will be removed in the near future. Common food dye can trigger inflammatory bowel diseases: Research
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
FDA phasing out 8 dyes: What are the side effects of red dye 40, yellow dye 5?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a plan to discontinue eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the country's food supply soon. The food dyes that will be phased out are Blue 1, Blue 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a news conference on April 22 that '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 behavioural problems.' Claims have been made that food dyes like Red Dye 40 and Yellow Dye 5 can cause serious side effects like cancer, allergies, and also hyperactivity in children. Studies on food dyes, especially ones like Red Dye 40 (Allura Red), Yellow Dye 5 (Tartrazine), Blue Dye 1 (Brilliant Blue), and Blue Dye 2 (Indigo Carmine) suggest these potential side effects: - Hyperactivity and Behavioural Problems - There's a link between Red 40 and Yellow 5 and increased hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and restlessness in children, especially those who are sensitive to the dyes. - Potential Cancer Risks - Extensive studies on animals have linked Red 40 and other dyes like Red 3 to cancer or tumours. - Allergic Reactions - Few individuals may experience allergic reactions to these dyes, including itching, hives, and even asthma. - DNA Damage - Red 40 has been shown to cause DNA damage both in vitro and in vivo, potentially contributing to an increased risk of cancer. The side effects may not be visible to a lot of people. Therefore, these points are to be considered if you're still choosing to consume food products with the aforementioned potentially harmful dyes: - Individual Sensitivity - Not all children are affected in the same way as some may be more sensitive to the effects of these dyes than others. - Multiple Dyes - Food often contains mixtures of different dyes, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of individual dyes. - Regulatory Issues - The FDA approves a lot of these dyes for use, but there are ongoing concerns about their safety and potential health effects. - Alternatives - Natural food colouring is always available and can be used as a better alternative to synthetic dyes.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
A Food Dye Ban Would Affect These Common Shopping Basket Items
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. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to phase out several petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply, a decision that could reshape grocery aisles across the nation. Common snacks, cereals and beverages may soon appear less vibrant as companies reformulate recipes to comply with the new guidelines. The move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration's Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reduce Americans' exposure to potentially harmful food additives. The ban affects dyes Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B, which have long been used to enhance the visual appeal of processed foods. Their removal from products reflects growing concerns over the health risks associated with artificial colorants. During a news briefing on Tuesday, Kennedy emphasized that federal agencies planned to collaborate with food manufacturers to eliminate artificial dyes from their products. "I just want to urge all of you, it's not the time to stop; it's the time to redouble your efforts, because we have them on the run now, and we are going to win this battle," Kennedy told supporters of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. "And four years from now, we're going to have most of these products off the market, or you will know about them when you go to the grocery store." Why Are the Food Dyes Being Phased Out? "For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals," FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said during the news conference announcing the policy change. The agency plans to revoke the authorization of these dyes and set national standards for transitioning to natural alternatives by the end of 2026. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. examining a package of food during a tour of the Native Health Mesa Food Distribution Center in Arizona on April 8. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. examining a package of food during a tour of the Native Health Mesa Food Distribution Center in Arizona on April 8. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo Makary added, "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, a vocal critic of food additives, underscored the broader mission of his "Make America Healthy Again" campaign: "If they want to eat petroleum, they ought to add it themselves at home." Which Items Contain the Food Dyes Being Phased Out? The ban targets dyes commonly found in many popular foods and beverages. Here is a breakdown of the affected dyes and some of the products that contain them: Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) : Found in candies, snack foods, maraschino cherries and fruit cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest described it as a carcinogen in laboratory animals. : Found in candies, snack foods, maraschino cherries and fruit cocktails. The Center for Science in the Public Interest described it as a carcinogen in laboratory animals. Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) : Found in Kool-Aid, Starburst and NyQuil. Research has shown it may increase hyperactivity in children and cause allergic reactions. : Found in Kool-Aid, Starburst and NyQuil. Research has shown it may increase hyperactivity in children and cause allergic reactions. Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) : Present in Mountain Dew and Twinkies. It has been linked to DNA damage and inflammation. : Present in Mountain Dew and Twinkies. It has been linked to DNA damage and inflammation. Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) : Found in Airheads, Jolly Ranchers and Lucky Charms. Studies suggest links to neurobehavioral issues. : Found in Airheads, Jolly Ranchers and Lucky Charms. Studies suggest links to neurobehavioral issues. Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) : Used in M&M's and Takis, with potential links to kidney tumors in animal models. : Used in M&M's and Takis, with potential links to kidney tumors in animal models. Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine) : Found in Skittles and blueberry Pop-Tarts, with research suggesting higher rates of brain tumors in rats. : Found in Skittles and blueberry Pop-Tarts, with research suggesting higher rates of brain tumors in rats. Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF) : Present in canned peas and sherbet, linked to bladder tumors in rodents. : Present in canned peas and sherbet, linked to bladder tumors in rodents. Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B: Used for coloring orange peels and sausage casings, respectively, and both have potential carcinogenic risks. Kennedy and Makary encouraged companies to explore natural alternatives, such as beet juice or carrot juice. "For companies that are currently using petroleum-based red dye, try watermelon juice or beet juice. For companies currently combining petroleum-based yellow chemical and red dyes together, try carrot juice," Makary said. Despite resistance from some industry groups warning of supply chain disruptions, the FDA's decision aligns the U.S. with international standards. "Their only purpose is to make food companies money," said Dr. Peter Lurie, the president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "Food dyes help make ultraprocessed foods more attractive, especially to children, often by masking the absence of a colorful ingredient, like fruit." As companies adjust formulations, consumers may notice changes on store shelves. "This marks a new era in safe food for children," food activist Vani Hari said. Will Food Companies Agree to Phase Out Food Dyes? The FDA's plan to eliminate synthetic food dyes hinges not on formal regulation but on an "understanding" with major food companies that they will voluntarily reformulate their products. "We don't have an agreement; we have an understanding," Kennedy said during the announcement, emphasizing the cooperative approach being taken with industry leaders. Makary reinforced this strategy, saying: "We've had wonderful meetings with the food industry. They are eager to do it." He added that there were no immediate plans for new regulations to enforce the move as "there's no need to have a regulation or a statute when companies are volunteering to do it." Not all stakeholders share the administration's optimism. The International Association of Color Manufacturers, representing the additives industry, warned that the proposed timeline of the end of 2026 "ignores scientific evidence and underestimates the complexity of food production," raising concerns about potential supply disruptions and limited access to familiar grocery items.
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Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
US govt will work with food makers to stop use of artificial dyes
By Rachel Cohrs Zhang, Anna Edney and Deena Shanker The US Department of Health and Human Services plans to phase out artificial food dyes by working with food companies that rely heavily on them to produce everything from breakfast cereal to salad dressing. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said Tuesday that the agency would work with the industry to eliminate six synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, including Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1. The FDA will also ask the industry to eliminate Red 3 before 2027, the timeline set by the Joe Biden administration. The voluntary effort is a better outcome for food companies than a ban on most dyes many in the industry feared when HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was appointed. Makary linked artificial colors to hyperactivity, obesity, diabetes and cancer in children. 'Why are we taking a gamble?' he said. 'This administration is not interested in continuing down a path of doing the same old things as we watch our nation's children get sicker.' While the FDA will work with the industry to phase out most dyes, Makary said it plans to revoke authorisation for two lesser-known ones, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. Otherwise, Kennedy said HHS and FDA have an 'understanding' with the industry on getting dyes out of the food supply. 'Let's start in a friendly way and see if we can do this without any statutory or regulatory changes, but we are exploring every tool in the toolbox to make sure this gets done very quickly,' Makary said. But a food reviewer at the FDA said employees who work on food safety were not informed of the announcement, and it remains unclear how the agency plans to implement its plan. The Consumer Brands Association said in a statement that ingredients in America's food supply 'have been rigorously studied.' The association said it's urged the government to prioritise ingredient research 'that is objective, peer reviewed and relevant to human health and safety.' Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at Environmental Working Group, called the announcement 'less than a nothing burger,' adding that there was no corresponding agreement from the food industry. Consumer Reports said in a statement that a voluntary federal effort to remove dyes 'could take years to achieve' and that states should pursue their own bans to ensure Americans are protected. And the Center for Science in the Public Interest pointed out that there was no rulemaking announcement on banning dyes. 'History tells us that relying on voluntary food industry compliance has all-too-often proven to be a fool's errand,' the center said in a statement. Dye concerns Kennedy has targeted artificial food dyes as part of his agenda to address the underlying causes of chronic illness. Health advocates have said for years that synthetic colours add no taste or nutritional value but make unhealthy foods more visually appealing. There are also concerns that the dyes may be carcinogenic or trigger hyperactivity in some children. Food and beverage companies have argued that synthetic dyes are safe. They've said it could take time to remove them from the supply chain and natural dyes are more expensive. The FDA also said it would work quickly to authorise natural dyes, including butterfly pea flower extract. Artificial dyes are used in a wide number of foods, especially those popular with kids, such as WK Kellogg Co.'s Froot Loops and General Mills Inc.'s Lucky Charms. They're also in sugary drinks, including Coca-Cola Co.'s Fanta and PepsiCo Inc.'s Mountain Dew and Gatorade. The dyes even appear in some pickles, smoked salmon and flavoured applesauce. 'I can't wait to enter a grocery store and not have to worry about artificial food dyes anymore,' food activist Vani Hari said in an interview. Hari, also known as her social media moniker Food Babe, called the FDA's move the result of a 'massive grassroots campaign.' States including West Virginia and California have passed laws to regulate the use of food dyes. Kennedy traveled to West Virginia last month to tout the state's new law to ban seven artificial dyes from school lunches and eventually from all food items in the state. Food and beverage lobbying groups have railed against West Virginia's law. The American Beverage Association points to industry-supported studies that found no clear link between synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral effects, like hyperactivity. Companies pressured Consumer demand for healthier food has prompted some companies to seek alternatives. Additionally, companies were warned that policy changes were coming. In March, Kennedy told executives from Kraft Heinz Co., General Mills and other food makers he wanted artificial dyes out of their products by the end of his term. McCormick & Co. said last month it was working with more food and restaurant companies to reformulate products, including baking ingredients that use food colorings. On Tuesday, the company said it would speed up efforts to reformulate the products in its branded retail offerings that use artificial dyes. PepsiCo aims to develop products without artificial dyes, and created spicy potato chips that don't use the signature red color created by food dyes. Other food makers are embarking on similar efforts. Earlier Tuesday, the International Dairy Foods Association pledged to eliminate the use of artificial colors in dairy products sold to schools by July 2026, as pressure on the ingredients mounts from health advocates and Kennedy. Dairy companies will be discontinuing products with synthetic colors or reformulating them with natural ingredients, the IDFA said in a statement. Every dairy company selling a milk, cheese or yogurt product to public schools participating in federally funded lunch and breakfast programs has joined the voluntary pledge, according to the IDFA. There could be federal regulation on other additives. Kennedy asked the FDA earlier this year to look into changing a rule that allows food companies to self-affirm that food additives are what the agency calls generally recognized as safe, or GRAS.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA announces plans to phase out petroleum-based food dyes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced actions Tuesday to phase out the use of petroleum-based food dyes in U.S. food products, citing concerns over potential health impacts on children. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary in remarks Tuesday pointed to studies that linked petroleum-based dyes to ADHD, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance and cancer. He announced the FDA would be initiating a plan to revoke the authorization of the synthetic food colorings Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. Citrus Red is only approved for use in coloring orange peels, and Orange B is only approved for use in hot dog and sausage casings. Additionally, Makary said the FDA would take steps to remove other synthetic dyes off the market including Red Dye 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2 and Green No. 3 by the end of 2026. 'America's children are sick and suffering. Forty-one percent of children have at least have at least one health condition, and 1 in 5 are on medication,' Makary said. 'The answer is not more Ozempic, more ADHD medication and more antidepressants. There's a role for those medications, but we have to look at underlying root causes.' Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commended food companies for working with the government on what he called an 'understanding' to phase out these synthetic food dyes. Kennedy said there was no agreement in place and did not disclose any penalties when asked about repercussions against food companies that decide not to voluntarily remove petroleum food dyes from their products. 'We're going to start informing Americans about what they're eating. We're going to try to work with Congress and the White House [to] make sure that we have adequate labeling so mothers who go into the grocery stores know what is good for their children and what is not,' Kennedy said, adding that his department was looking at potential labels on products to indicate their compliance with removing synthetic food dyes. On Jan. 15, shortly before the second Trump administration began, the FDA revoked authorization for the use of Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs. Manufacturers that use this dye, which the FDA noted isn't as widely used as other colorants, have until 2027 and 2028 to update their foods and ingested drugs, respectively. Makary said Tuesday that he is requesting the FDA speed up this deadline. When asked if he credited the Biden administration for starting this initiative at the federal level to remove food dyes, Kennedy said he did. 'I wish it hadn't taken him to one week before I came into office,' Kennedy said. Kennedy was confirmed as HHS Secretary on Feb. 13. States including California, Utah and West Virginia have taken action in recent years to ban certain food dyes. Utah state House Speaker Mike Schultz (R) and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) spoke at the FDA event Tuesday, commending the move. Online health bloggers Vani Hari and Mark Hyman also spoke at the event. While some studies have found potential links between artificial food dyes and effects like hyperactivity and an inability to focus, reviews conducted by the FDA in the past have not confirmed a causal link. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya said Tuesday that robust scientific literature isn't available to parents because 'scientists are afraid to ask questions, basic questions that parents want answers to.' On Tuesday before the FDA's announcement, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced a 'voluntary, proactive pledge to eliminate the use of certified artificial colors' in dairy products sold to K-12 schools for the National School Lunch and National School Breakfast programs. This change will take effect beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The IDFA said it is aiming to eliminate the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, while noting that the majority of dairy products sold to schools today don't contain certified artificial colors. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins lauded the announcement. 'While I look forward to getting whole milk back into our schools, today's announcement shows how the dairy industry is voluntarily driving change and giving consumers what they want, without government mandates,' Rollins said in a statement. 'I thank IDFA and the dairy industry for leading the way and look forward to other industries thinking about how together, we can Make America Healthy Again.' The nonprofit Consumer Reports lauded the FDA's announcement but noted it could take years to implement a national ban on artificial food dyes. 'We need an enforceable ban on harmful synthetic food dyes. States should continue to act on legislation to remove toxic chemicals and dyes from food. Consumers shouldn't have to wait and rely on this industry to act voluntarily after years of resistance,' said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
