U.S. Plans to Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes by 2026
Health officials announce measures to eliminate eight synthetic food dyes from U.S. products by 2026, citing health concerns, especially for children.
The proposed timeline to phase out synthetic dyes comes after Kennedy told food industry leaders at a meeting last month that he wanted their companies to remove artificial dyes from their products by the end of his four-year term, according to a memo describing the meeting, which was obtained by ABC News.
RFK Jr. unveils plan to phase out 8 artificial food dyes in the US
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The accumulative effects of a whole diet comprised of many different foods with artificial dyes, consumed over a lifetime, is even harder to assess.
What We Know about Artificial Food Dyes and Health as RFK, Jr., Declares a U.S. Ban
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Makary described the FDA’s move as a step toward restoring public trust in food safety regulations.
8 artificial dyes to be banned in US by end of 2026
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Historically, research on food dyes has been underfunded, and the FDA hasn’t thoroughly reviewed food dyes for decades.
FDA says it will phase out petroleum-based food dyes, authorize four natural color additives
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Removing artificial dyes from foods has long been a goal of so-called MAHA moms, key supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives.
RFK Jr. To Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes
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Removing artificial dyes from foods has long been a goal of so-called MAHA moms, key supporters of Kennedy and his “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives.
US health officials move to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply
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For years, Kennedy has railed against Big Food and Big Pharma and blamed the nation’s “chronic disease epidemic” on additives and junk food, including during his campaign for president in the 2024 Democratic primaries and then as an independent.
Eight artificial dyes will be phased out of US food supply, Health Secretary RFK Jr. says
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The move on Tuesday marks a major step forward in the administration’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again.
Food dyes to be phased out by Trump administration in latest round of bans
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Food additives that have been banned in Europe but are still used in the United States include titanium dioxide, a coloring agent that some research indicates could cause cell mutations and DNA damage.
RFK Jr. Aims To Ban Artificial Food Dyes in Salvo Against ‘Big Food’ Industry
New York Sun·10d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.Removing artificial dyes from foods has long been a goal of so-called MAHA moms, key supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives.
RFK Jr. to Phase Artificial Dyes Out of Food Supply
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Summary
The U.S. FDA and HHS, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced plans to phase out eight synthetic food dyes linked to health risks, particularly in children, by the end of 2026. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary highlighted the need for transition to natural alternatives. The move follows rising health concerns, including hyperactivity and chronic conditions in children. While some manufacturers argue that the transition could lead to increased costs, health officials claim it will not affect food prices. This announcement follows earlier efforts to regulate synthetic dyes under previous administrations and aligns with wider state-level legislative actions.
Perspectives
The FDA and HHS have announced a plan to phase out eight petroleum-based artificial dyes, linking them to health risks, especially in children, and aim for most changes to be implemented by the end of next year.
Health officials cite studies associating artificial dyes with various health issues, including ADHD and obesity, and emphasize the need for natural alternatives.
Industry responses express concern over the feasibility and potential costs of the transition, yet the FDA assures that these changes will not increase food prices.