Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a plan to eliminate artificial food dyes from the U.S. supply by the end of next year, citing concerns about their potential health risks and environmental impact. The FDA aims to transition the food industry to natural alternatives like beet juice and carrot juice while fast-tracking approval for new natural dyes. Though artificial dyes, such as Red No. 3, have been linked to risks like cancer and behavioral problems, definitive causal evidence remains unclear. The initiative has drawn both praise and criticism, with some experts applauding the move as overdue and others expecting resistance from the food industry.
Kennedy emphasized the importance of healthier food systems, highlighting the harmful and unnecessary nature of petroleum-based dyes commonly found in products marketed to children, such as candy and cereals. States like California and West Virginia have already passed legislation banning these additives, and some companies have voluntarily removed artificial dyes from their products. Advocates believe transitioning to natural dyes will address broader issues like childhood health, obesity, and overconsumption of ultra-processed foods, marking a shift in the nation’s approach to food safety and regulation.