American families deserve food free from harmful chemicals. On April 22, 2025, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary unveiled a bold plan to eliminate eight petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply.
This move, part of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, prioritizes the health of our children and communities. The FDA's initiative targets dyes linked to serious health issues, including cancer and behavioral problems, with a phase-out planned over the coming months.
The New York Post reported that the agency will revoke authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, while working with food companies to eliminate six other synthetic dyes. These include Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2.
These dyes color everyday products like Pop-Tarts, Skittles, M&Ms, Mountain Dew, and even hot dog casings. The FDA aims to replace them with natural alternatives, such as watermelon or carrot juice, as suggested by Dr. Makary. This shift reflects a commitment to real food over chemical shortcuts.
The FDA will push food companies to phase out Red No. 3, linked to cancer, faster than the prior 2027-2028 deadline.
This dye, approved in 1907, has raised alarms for decades. Studies, including one by The Lancet, suggest petroleum-based dyes may contribute to hyperactivity, obesity, diabetes, and allergies.
While the FDA monitors potential links between dyes and hyperactivity, no firm connection has been established. Still, the agency is taking no chances with public health. The National Institutes of Health will also research food additives effects on children.
Of the 36 FDA-approved food dyes, nine are petroleum-derived, while others come from natural sources like vegetables. The FDA will authorize four natural color alternatives in the coming weeks. More reviews of other natural options are being fast-tracked.
No formal agreement exists with the food industry, but top companies have an "understanding" with the FDA. Food executives have been reaching out to health officials almost daily to discuss changes. Dr. Makary emphasized a cooperative approach, saying the goal is to work together without immediate regulatory mandates.
Kennedy and Makary are confident the industry will adapt quickly. They aim to use persuasion, as Makary noted, to win cooperation. However, the FDA is prepared to explore all tools to ensure swift action.
The initiative aligns with the MAHA movement's push for healthier living. Kennedy, joined by MAHA moms at the announcement, stressed the need to protect children from a "toxic soup" of chemicals. Dr. Makary echoed this, criticizing the industry's reliance on synthetic dyes.
Kennedy plans to launch a public awareness campaign to promote healthy habits. An open-source website will share information about food additives, empowering consumers. These efforts aim to restore trust in the food supply and encourage informed choices.
Some reforms, like stronger labeling or reduced sugar use, will need congressional approval. Kennedy acknowledged that sugar, which he called a "poison," cannot be fully eliminated but must be addressed transparently. Americans deserve to know what’s in their food, he argued.
The dyes targeted include Blue No. 1, used in M&Ms and Takis, and Blue No. 2, found in Skittles and Pop-Tarts. Yellow No. 5 colors Mountain Dew and Twinkies, while Yellow No. 6 is in Airheads and Lucky Charms. Red No. 40 appears in Kool-Aid and Starburst.
Citrus Red No. 2, used on Florida orange peels, and Orange B, limited to sausage casings, pose specific risks. Orange B can harm the liver and bile duct in high doses. Green No. 3, produced through chemical synthesis, is also under scrutiny.
Dr. Mark Hyman, a supporter of the initiative, warned that Americans consume thousands of untested chemicals daily. Gov. Patrick Morrisey stressed the need for real food in school meals, not chemical substitutes. Both underscored the urgency of protecting future generations.