Washington D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has unveiled a significant initiative to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. This comprehensive plan, announced on April 22, 2025, specifically targets eight prevalent synthetic colorings for revocation or elimination by the end of 2026, marking a pivotal shift in federal food additive regulation. The move reflects growing public and scientific scrutiny over the pervasive use of artificial colors in consumer products.
Currently, a wide array of U.S. food products, including candies, processed meats, cereals, and salad dressings, rely on synthetic dyes for their visual appeal. As highlighted by The New Yorker in a recent tweet, "> In the U.S., nine synthetic dyes currently color products as diverse as candy, hot dogs, canned fruit, breakfast cereal, and even salad dressing. What would our food look like without them?", these artificial colorings are deeply embedded in the American diet. Historically, these certified colors have been favored by manufacturers for their intense, uniform hue and ability to blend easily.
The FDA's new measures aim to establish a national standard for the food industry to transition to natural alternatives. The agency is initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, in the coming months. Additionally, the FDA is working with industry to eliminate six other widely used synthetic dyes by the end of 2026: FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2. The agency is also accelerating the removal of FD&C Red No. 3, requesting industry cease its use in ingested products even sooner than the previously indicated 2027-2028 deadline.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary underscored that the decision is driven by increasing concerns from medical professionals and parents regarding the potential link between these dyes and various health issues, particularly in children. Commissioner Makary stated, "Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children." This proactive stance aligns with the administration's broader "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
The FDA is encouraging voluntary compliance from the food industry while also expediting the review and approval process for natural color additives to facilitate this transition. This regulatory shift is expected to prompt significant reformulation efforts across the food manufacturing sector, pushing companies to explore alternatives such as fruit and vegetable extracts. The move signifies a growing trend towards greater transparency and healthier ingredient profiles in the American food market.