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.
8 artificial dyes to be banned in US by end of 2026
Straight Arrow News
RFK Jr. To Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes
TIME Magazine
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.
Sources (10)
- The FDA's initiative is a significant public health step aimed at protecting children from dangerous additives in their food supplies, reflecting long-standing health advocacy calls to ban harmful artificial dyes.
- Research has indicated mixtures of synthetic food dyes could contribute to behavioral disorders and other chronic health issues in children, emphasizing the urgency of removal.
- The ban aligns with broader health and safety trends in countries like Europe, which have already implemented strict regulations on artificial food colorings.
Scientific American·1M· "…The accumulative effects of a whole diet comprised of many different foods with artificial dyes, consumed over a lifetime, is even harder to assess."
CNN·1M· "…Historically, research on food dyes has been underfunded, and the FDA hasn’t thoroughly reviewed food dyes for decades."
TIME Magazine·1M· "…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."