In a landmark move to protect public health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have unveiled a sweeping plan to eliminate all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the American food supply. This bold initiative, announced on April 22, 2025, is part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign and reflects growing concern over the impact of artificial additives on children’s health.
Key Measures and Timeline
The FDA will:
- Revoke authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B in the coming months.
- Eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—including the widely used Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1—from all food products by end of 2026.
- Accelerate approval of natural alternatives such as butterfly pea flower extract, gardenia blue, and calcium phosphate.
- Collaborate with the NIH to research the impact of food dyes on child development and overall health.
- Push food companies to remove Red No. 3 earlier than the previous 2027-2028 deadline.
A New Era of Clean Labeling
“For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health. That era is coming to an end.”
Echoing the sentiment, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary added, “Given the rising rates of childhood ADHD, obesity, and depression, we can no longer afford to ignore the risks of synthetic dyes.”
Global Standards and Industry Collaboration
The move also aims to bring U.S. standards in line with global markets. Unlike the U.S., many food manufacturers already use natural dyes in Europe and Canada due to stricter regulations.
The FDA is working directly with industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition, including regulatory flexibility and guidance for natural substitutions.
Public Health at the Forefront
This policy represents one of the most comprehensive overhauls in U.S. food labeling and safety regulations in decades. It underscores the government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, transparent regulation, and the health of future generations.
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