RFK Jr. Proposes Phase-Out of Artificial Dyes in U.S. Foods

livewell
April 23, 2025
Noah Bennett

Artificial dyes in candies and other food items have been a hot topic due to their harmful effects on health. Therefore, the regulations are strict in the U.S. and many other countries, resulting in a ban on specific synthetic colors after finding them harmful in trials and studies.

The current U.S. regime, however, has shown its intention of completely banning all artificial food colors irrespective of their health impacts. On Tuesday, April 22, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a ban on food dyes, which will be effective by the end of next year.

Artificial Food Colors - Origin and History

Synthetic food additives, commonly known as artificial food colors, are manufactured by using chemical reactions. The food industry has been using artificial food colors since the 19th Century as they are inexpensive, stable, and have naturally identical food hues. However, the number of approved colors has reduced immensely since then due to artificial food dye health risks.

Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) only approves nine petroleum-based synthetic colors, out of a total of 36 food colors. Out of these nine colors, the agency has already removed Red No. 3 and will revoke permission for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B in the coming months. Additionally, the FDA has announced the removal of the remaining six artificial dyes from its list by the end of next year after consulting food companies.

Replacing Artificial Colors

Removing artificial colors from their products is a hard decision for food companies, as it can make their products expensive. However, the FDA has provided some alternatives to replace the currently used synthetic dyes. The FDA commissioner, Marty Makaray, has proposed watermelon juice, carrot juice, and beet juice as some of the natural alternatives.

He said during the press conference, “For companies that are currently using petroleum-based red dye, try watermelon juice or beet juice.” He further added, “For companies currently combining petroleum-based yellow chemical and red dyes together, try carrot juice.” Furthermore, the FDA is also reviewing the possibility of several new natural dyes, such as calcium phosphate, butterfly pea flower extract, gardenia blue, and Galdieria extract blue.

Response from Food Companies

The FDA has announced that it will work together with food companies to eliminate these artificial chemicals from foods as early as possible. However, no representatives of food companies were present during the press conference. Therefore, it is expected that the industry might respond harshly to these new rules.

It is evident from the statement of Melissa Hockstad, the representative of U.S. packaged food manufacturers and the president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association. She defended current practices of the food industry by saying, “The ingredients used in America’s food supply have been rigorously studied … and have been demonstrated to be safe.”

Some food companies have already reduced or eliminated artificial dyes from their products. The most prominent examples are those of Nestle and Kraft. Nestle removed artificial colors from its 250 products, while Kraft replaced them with natural colors in its macaroni and cheese, both in 2015.

Reasons Behind the Ban

Despite previous approval of the nine synthetic food colors by the FDA, many people were skeptical due to the effects of food dyes on children. RFK Jr. food policy is also based on these ideas. Kennedy is one of those who described these colors as “poison.” He suggested food companies should eat their products with “petroleum” instead of selling them to children.

Many experts also have the same opinion. Marion Nestle, a professor at New York University, said that some studies have established the relationship between artificial dyes and behavioral changes in children. She also described these products as cosmetics that don’t serve any meaningful purpose in food.