The Health and Human Services Department released a statement Wednesday, stating they intend to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply through a series of new measures.
Those efforts, though, will rely on voluntary efforts from the food industry.
“We don’t have an agreement, we have an understanding,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy said.
Kennedy hopes that eight synthetic dyes, including Red No. 40, Red No. 3, and others, will be removed from the U.S. food supply and medications by the end of 2026.
The FDA is initiating the process to revoke authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B in the coming months, and will work with the food industry to eliminate six more dyes (including Red No. 40) by the end of next year. The FDA is encouraging voluntary removal and transition to natural dyes, and is seeking to avoid statutory or regulatory battles if possible.
The safety of synthetic food dyes has been the subject of scientific debate and regulatory scrutiny.
Concerns surrounding red food dyes, particularly Red 40 (Allura Red AC) and Red 3 (Erythrosine), are fueled by a body of scientific research, although conclusions remain debated. Several studies, including influential meta-analyses, have explored potential links between artificial food colors, including reds, and behavioral issues like hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms in some children. While regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reviewed the evidence and maintain that these dyes are safe for the general population at current acceptable daily intake levels, they often acknowledge that certain children may exhibit sensitivities. Furthermore, specific dyes like Red 3 have faced scrutiny due to older animal studies linking high doses to thyroid tumors in rats, which led to its ban in cosmetics and externally applied drugs in the US, though it paradoxically remains permitted in food and ingested drugs.
These scientific concerns and diverging regulatory stances have galvanized consumer advocacy groups and the public. Organizations such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) have filed numerous petitions with the FDA over the years, calling for bans or stricter warnings on dyes like Red 40 and Red 3, citing the accumulated research on potential health risks. Public petitions on various online platforms also echo these demands, reflecting growing consumer unease. This pressure has recently culminated in legislative action in some regions; for instance, California passed a law in 2023 (effective 2027) banning the use of Red 3, along with three other additives, in foods manufactured, sold, or distributed in the state.
