Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently announced plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from the nation’s food supply. This decision is a concrete and big first step in his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Kennedy is even pairing up with progressive FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. Together, they want to eliminate the eight petroleum-based synthetic dyes used in foods throughout the United States.
This new initiative zeroes in on widely-used dyes including red dye No. 40 and yellow dye No. 5. These dyes are under fire due to their potential adverse effects on children’s behavior, particularly on hyperactivity. Kennedy even claimed that permitting food manufacturers to use these dyes has led to “mass poisoning” of our American children. Secondly, he highlighted the urgency of the changes being proposed.
During a press call on Wednesday, Kennedy and Makary will provide additional details about this exciting new initiative. Save the date for National Bike Day, April 22, in Washington, D.C. The proposed timeline would have these new changes go into effect by the end of 2026.
In previous comments, the FDA admitted that there was an unclear connection between food dyes and hyperactivity in children. According to a 2011 report, the agency stated that it could not determine any “casual relationship” between food dye consumption and behavioral issues. A rising chorus of concern from parents and health advocates forced the government’s hand to act.
Most health authorities had previously considered all eight synthetic dyes to be safe. Still, Kennedy’s initiative demonstrates a rising tide of more rigorous scrutiny of food additives. In January, the FDA prohibited the artificial Red dye No. 3. This decision, issued by the Biden Administration under President Joe Biden, represents a strong and historic shift to stronger regulations.
Kennedy highlighted that this action is just one step of a larger plan to improve public health protections across the country. He reiterates his pledge to keep food safe and children protected from dangerous chemicals and metals.
“The FDA cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals,” – Jim Jones
Depending on how the initiative develops, the possible impacts on food manufacturers and consumers could be big. While removing these synthetic dyes will definitely require reformulating products. Snacks, like chips and candies, and sugary drinks would be subject to this change.