Latest news with #FD&CRedNo.40
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The FDA is phasing out synthetic food dyes—here's what it means for your family's health
In a sweeping move that puts children's well-being front and center, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced a prominent plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. For parents who've long worried about mysterious color-coded ingredients in their child's favorite snacks, this marks a long-overdue victory for transparency and health. For decades, American families have unknowingly been consuming artificial dyes—FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, to name a few—added to everything from cereals and candies to juices and baked goods. These synthetic additives, made from petrochemicals, offer no nutritional benefit and have been linked to a range of health concerns, especially in children. Think hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even potential long-term impacts on development. 'Some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent,' said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. 'That era is coming to an end.' Related: Baked goods FDA recall: what you need to know about the 2 million products impacted The FDA's new measures are part of the Biden administration's broader 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, and here's what you need to know: Two dyes—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—will have their authorization revoked in the coming months. Six more widely used synthetic dyes (like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5) will be eliminated by the end of next year. Natural alternatives such as butterfly pea flower extract and gardenia blue are being fast-tracked for approval. The deadline for phasing out Red No. 3 (found in candies and baked goods) has been moved up. The FDA is working with the NIH to deeply study the connection between additives and children's health. While European countries and Canada have already restricted or replaced synthetic dyes in many foods, the U.S. has lagged behind. That means American children have been exposed to additives banned elsewhere for safety reasons. The shift now underway acknowledges mounting research—and parental concern—about the role these dyes may play in the rise of childhood issues like obesity, depression, and ADHD. As FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated, 'Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents… we should not be taking risks.' This policy shift is a game-changer, but food industry reform won't happen overnight. In the meantime, there are steps you can take: Read labels: Look out for ingredients labeled as 'FD&C' followed by a color and number. Choose natural options: Many brands now use fruit or vegetable-based colorings. Make your voice heard: Continue advocating for clean ingredients by supporting brands and stores committed to transparency. Model mindful eating: This is a great opportunity to talk to your kids about what's in their food and why it matters. For many families, this announcement isn't just about dyes—it's about reclaiming trust in the food system. It's about knowing that what we feed our children supports not only their bodies, but also their focus, energy, and emotional health. This change signals that when parents speak up, when science is prioritized, and when the health of our littlest citizens is placed at the forefront, meaningful change is possible. Let's keep demanding better. Because our kids deserve nothing less. Related: FDA sets new limits on lead in baby food—what parents need to know
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are food dyes getting banned in the US and why? What know to about 8 dyes being phased out
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr announced plans to remove certain artificial dyes from the U.S. food and drug supply on April 22, taking a step toward fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared intentions to "phase out" petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of next year during a press conference in which Kennedy called the additives "poison," saying, "For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent." While the FDA has said that "the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them," food advocates have commended the move, saying it's a step in the right direction. Here's what to know about the dyes that the FDA is looking to remove from American food. The FDA announced on April 22 that they will "phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply" by the end of 2026. However, no formal agreement or legislation was passed officially banning the substances. Instead, HHS and the FDA have a "mutual understanding" with the food industry that the dyes will be progressively removed, according to Kennedy. During an April 22 press conference, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency intends to revoke approvals for certain dyes and work alongside industry leaders to achieve elimination of the additives. A press statement released by the FDA also said it is working to "establish a national standard and timeline for the transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives," but did not further specify formal regulatory or legislative actions. A statement from the watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), however, called the agreement's voluntary nature "disappointing" for its lack of "rulemaking." "Because using synthetic food dyes has always been voluntary, there is no incentive from today's announcement for manufacturers to switch to natural food colors." The FDA will authorize four new natural color additives and partner with the National Institutes of Health to conduct research on "how food additives impact children's health and development," according to the HHS. Studies have been done on the impacts of commonly used synthetic food dyes, some of which have found links to conditions like cancer, ADHD and organ damage. However, a universal scientific consensus on how much dye has to be consumed to prove a definitive cause-and-effect link between it and these health conditions has yet to be reached. As a result, different countries have implemented different rules over time as the scientific community learns more about the potential correlation between food additives and health. Red Dye 40 (Allura Red or FD&C Red No. 40): Creates a dark red color and is commonly used in candy, cereals, sports drinks, frosting, condiments, gelatin, jams and more. Yellow Dye 5 (Tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5): A lemon-yellow color often found in candy, cereal, soft drinks, popcorn, yogurt, juices, spices and more. Yellow Dye 6 (Sunset Yellow or FD&C Yellow No. 6): An orange-yellow dye used in candy, sauces, baked goods, preserved fruit, cheese, soups, cereals and more. Blue Dye 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF or FD&C Blue No. 1): Creates a greenish-blue color seen in ice cream, canned peas, soups, popsicles, icing, confections, dairy products and more. Blue Dye 2 (Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue No. 2 or Indigotine): A royal blue color commonly found in candy, ice cream, cereal, snacks, sausages, maraschino cherries and more. Green Dye 3 (Fast Green FCF or FD&C Green No. 3): A forest green dye often found in canned vegetables, cereal, candy, ice cream, salad dressing, soft drinks and more. Also coming within months is an action to remove the use of: Citrus Red 2 (C.I. Solvent Red 80): Is used only to color the skin of oranges in the U.S., specifically Florida oranges. It is used to make the skins a more vibrant color but is now allowed to be used on the inner, edible parts of the fruit. Orange B (C.I. Acid Orange 137): Is again used only for one purpose: hot dog and sausage casings. The dye itself is also no longer made in the U.S., limiting its use even further. Some dyes that have been banned in the U.S. are still used in other countries like Canada and those in the European Union, while some still used in the U.S. are banned in other such countries. Some food dyes already banned from the US include: Red No. 3: was already in the process of being phased out in the U.S. thanks to a Biden-era order mandating it be removed by Jan. 15, 2027. The new administration has since asked that this deadline be moved up. Reds 1, 2, 4 and 32: Banned in 1961, 1976 and 1956, for potential (but disputed) links to cancer and organ damage. Yellows 1, 2, 3 and 4: Were all banned in 1959 after they were potentially linked to lesions and heart damage. Violet 1: Banned in 1973 due to suspected link to cancer. Orange 1 and 2: Banned in 1956 and 1960 for potential links to organ damage. Green 1 and 2: Both banned in 1965 due to a potential link to cancer. Sudan 1 and Butter Yellow: Banned in 1919 after it was found to be toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Some U.S. states were already moving toward removing some food dyes separate from the federal government. Red 3, for example, was banned in California, along with Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, via a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2024. The most popular food dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, according to Healthline. These three make up 90% of all the food dye used in the U.S. According to the FDA, food coloring is used to: Offset color loss due to exposure to light, air, temperature extremes, moisture and storage conditions. Correct natural variations in color. Enhance colors that occur naturally. Provide color to colorless and "fun" foods. Because natural dyes are less shelf-stable than artificial ones, some food products may look different after the proposed switch is made. Naturally derived coloring is more susceptible to fading and degradation when exposed to elements like heat, light and air, so while foods may have the same general color profile, you may notice they appear less vibrant. Natural dyes are also generally more expensive to make and use, so companies changing their formulas to adhere to the FDA's requests may have to make adjustments to preserve their bottom line, though it is unclear if these additional costs could be passed on to the consumer. Contributing: Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY; Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See full list of food dyes being phased out in the US, says RFK, Jr.
CBS News
23-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Colorado bakers concerned about FDA plan to phase out certain synthetic food dyes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced plans to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the nation's food supply. The decision is part of a broader initiative launched by the administration to "Make America Healthy Again." Food dye CBS "For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in a statement. "These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children's health and development. That era is coming to an end." The FDA's new measures include the revocation of two color additives, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, in the coming months and a complete removal of six others, including the commonly used FD&C Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, by the end of next year. The FDA is also authorizing natural alternatives like butterfly pea flower extract and gardenia blue, while working with the National Institutes of Health to explore how food additives impact children's development. "Today, the FDA is asking food companies to substitute petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children as they already do in Europe and Canada," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. "We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD. We should not be taking risks." While federal health officials hail this as a long-overdue health victory, small business owners like Mary Lovett, owner of Maggie and Molly's Bakery in Denver, wonder what this could mean for future orders. She uses artificial dyes to color custom orders. She says customers can't taste the dyes, and they prefer it. "I've had some people ask for more natural options," Lovett said, "but my hesitation has always been the flavor. I've worked years to create these flavors." She's also concerned about whether natural dyes can match the vibrant colors her customers expect. Mary Lovett, owner of Maggie and Molly's Bakery in Denver, with CBS Colorado's Tori Mason. CBS "We're dealing with parents who want cookies to match the invitation for their kid's party," she said. "The idea is that you take, like, the juice from a beet, right? And that creates a red color." Some studies have found links between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children. Nutrition expert Dr. Jennifer Bolton, a professor at MSU Denver, says the FDA's focus is well-intentioned, but only a small part of improving diets. "A lot of the foods that use synthetic dyes, like Hot Cheetos, Mountain Dew, and brightly colored candies, aren't great for kids to begin with. The dye is just one part of a bigger issue," she said. "Will it reduce ADHD? ADD hyperactivity overall? It's probably just one drop in the bucket." Bolton says she hopes this brings new focus to the quality of food supply overall. "We should think about the foods we're serving at home, about how important the family dinner table is, and the foods that we're serving in our schools," Bolton said. Lovett says when most customers place a cake order, health isn't top of mind. She takes pride is bringing their centerpiece vision to life for special occasions. She hopes a dye ban won't change that. Some bakers in Colorado are wondering how the FDA phase-out of certain synthetic food dyes will impact their business. CBS "I can pretty much guarantee I won't change the flavor of anything we're doing," said Lovett. "I would more likely be telling them we can't provide you with color." The FDA says it is fast-tracking the review of calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and other natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes.
