HHS, FDA develop strategies to eradicate petroleum-based food dyes from US foods
The organisations are also partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives affect children’s health and development.
USA – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced new measures aimed at phasing out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply as part of the administration’s broader commitment to Make America Healthy Again.
To achieve this goal, the FDA is implementing several actions. It will establish a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
Additionally, the FDA plans to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months. It will also authorize four new natural color additives in the near future and expedite the review and approval of others.
Notably, the FDA is collaborating with the industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—by the end of next year.
The FDA has also requested food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the previously set deadline of 2027–2028.
“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.
He emphasized that these harmful compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real dangers on children’s health and development.
The FDA is fast-tracking the review of natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes, including calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, and butterfly pea flower extract. The agency will also provide guidance and regulatory flexibility to industries.
“Today, the FDA is urging food companies to replace petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children, just as they already do in Europe and Canada,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH.
In partnership with the NIH Nutrition Regulatory Science and Research Program, the FDA aims to enhance nutrition and food-related research to better inform regulatory decisions.
This collaboration will strengthen the FDA’s ability to develop evidence-based food policies, support a healthier America, and advance the priorities of the Make America Healthy Again Commission.
This announcement follows a recent investigation initiated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton into Kellogg’s cereal products—such as Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, and Rice Krispies—marketed as “healthy” options.
The Attorney General expressed concern about the links between these artificial ingredients and various health issues, including hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune diseases, endocrine-related health problems, and cancer.
Paxton’s office noted that Kellogg’s falsely claimed it would remove these artificial colorants and the preservative BHT from its products in the U.S., despite having already done so in Canada and Europe.
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