Eight synthetic dyes will be banned from the nation’s food and medication supply by the end of 2026. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced the artificial food dye ban on Tuesday, April 22, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Makary said the decision comes in response to growing concerns over the health effects of petroleum-based food dyes, especially in children. He encouraged companies to transition to natural coloring alternatives like beet juice, carrot juice and watermelon juice.
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Dyes targeted in the artificial food dye ban
Two dyes not currently in production will have their authorization revoked:
- Citrus Red No. 2
- Orange B
Six additional dyes will be phased out of the U.S. food supply:
- Red Dye No. 40
- Yellow Dye No. 5
- Yellow Dye No. 6
- Blue Dye No. 1
- Blue Dye No. 2
- Green Dye No. 3
The FDA is also accelerating the removal of Red Dye No. 3. It is already set to be banned in foods by 2027 and in medications by 2028. Makary said the agency will work to phase it out even sooner.
Health risks and ongoing investigations
To support the transition, the FDA will authorize four new natural color additives in the coming weeks. The agency is also speeding up the review process for other natural food coloring ingredients.
Makary emphasized that the transition from petroleum-based to natural dyes will not increase food prices. He cited examples from other countries where similar changes have already been made without raising costs.
However, multiple sources within the commercial food industry maintain that a shift to natural food coloring would lead to higher prices, possibly disrupting certain supply chains while manufacturers retool to comply with federal regulations.
Health risks and ongoing investigations
Makary linked synthetic dyes and ultra-processed foods to rising childhood health issues, including ADHD, obesity and infertility. He noted that 41% of American children have at least one chronic condition. This claim is supported by the CDC.
Multiple studies have raised concerns about artificial dyes. A 2022 meta-analysis published in Environmental Health found a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children. Similarly, a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency reviewed 25 studies on artificial dyes, and more than half found a connection to behavioral issues.
This follows a recent investigation by the Texas attorney general into Kellogg’s use of artificial dyes in U.S. cereals. While the company has removed these dyes in products sold in Canada and Europe, they remain present in the American versions.
A broader movement to ‘Make America Healthy Again’
HHS says the artificial food dye ban aligns with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
Makary described the FDA’s move as a step toward restoring public trust in food safety regulations. He called the decades-long use of synthetic dyes “one of the largest uncontrolled scientific experiments” on children.
Kennedy added that this initiative is not just about regulation, but education. He said that he wants to ensure Americans are equipped with the knowledge to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.
