HHS, FDA to Eliminate Petroleum-Based Food Dyes in Major Public Health Move

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced a comprehensive plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. The initiative, part of the administration’s Make America Healthy Again campaign, will implement new national standards, revoke certain dye authorizations, and promote safer natural alternatives, reflecting growing concerns over the health impacts of artificial food coloring.

Among the measures introduced, the FDA will establish a timeline for food manufacturers to shift from petrochemical-based dyes to natural substitutes. Two dyes—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—are set to lose FDA authorization in the coming months. The agency also plans to eliminate six additional synthetic dyes, including FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 5, from the food supply by the end of next year. Four new natural color additives will be approved soon, with others under accelerated review, including gardenia blue and butterfly pea flower extract.

The FDA is working closely with the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of food additives on children’s health and development. The agency is also requesting earlier removal of FD&C Red No. 3 than the previously set 2027–2028 deadline. Guidance and regulatory flexibility will be offered to food companies to ease the transition. These steps aim to align U.S. food safety practices with those of Europe and Canada, where many synthetic dyes are already restricted or banned.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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