FDA to ban synthetic food dyes in major health policy shift

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the FDA’s decision to phase out synthetic food dyes as a return to “gold-standard science” and a step toward safeguarding children’s health. Credit: Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced a new initiative to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. The plan forms part of the broader Make America Healthy Again campaign and marks a significant policy change aimed at supporting long-term public health. 

The FDA is working with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand research into the potential health effects of food additives, particularly in children. The agency also plans to issue guidance to support food manufacturers during the transition and to accelerate regulatory review of alternative colourings such as calcium phosphate, butterfly pea flower extract, Galdieria blue and gardenia blue.

In a statement, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said:

The FDA says these changes are designed to better align U.S. food regulations with international practices and to reflect growing demand for transparency and natural ingredients. The agency emphasised its commitment to evidence-based decision-making and collaboration with industry throughout the transition process.

Read expert analysis from distinguished Food Safety Expert Dr Darin Detwiler, and David Acheson, President and CEO of the Acheson Group, on the broader implications of RFK’s approach to food safety reform in New Food’s previous coverage.

Source: newfoodmagazine.com