U.S. Government Moves to Ban Additional Synthetic Food Colorings

Authorities in the United States are preparing to implement additional restrictions on synthetic food colorings, as officials from the Trump administration indicate a forthcoming ban. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary are anticipated to announce further details regarding this initiative.

This potential action follows a significant decision made earlier this year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which under the previous administration, prohibited the use of red dye No. 3 in various food products, beverages, and some pharmaceuticals. This decision came after over three decades of research suggesting a link between the dye and cancer in animal studies.

With this new move, federal officials are poised to expand the scope of the ban even further. Kennedy has been a vocal opponent of petroleum-based synthetic colorings, which are frequently utilized to enhance the visual appeal of food and drink items. His advocacy is reflected in a recent law in West Virginia that prohibits certain synthetic dyes, marking the state as the first to enact such comprehensive measures. Research has shown connections between specific food dyes and behavioral and learning difficulties in children.

Currently, there is a growing trend among more than half of U.S. states, regardless of political affiliation, to impose limitations on the use of these synthetic ingredients, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The National Confectioners Association, representing interests in the confectionery industry, has acknowledged the role of states in the food system but insists that the FDA should remain the primary national authority on food safety matters. Many of its members produce goods containing artificial dyes.

John Hewitt from the Consumer Brands Association has also emphasized the necessity for the FDA to assume responsibility for regulating these substances. He called for the agency to take a more proactive stance in ensuring food safety across the nation.

Several synthetic dyes, including red No. 3, red No. 40, green No. 3, and blue No. 2, have been associated with cancerous tumors in animal tests. Additionally, dyes such as yellow No. 5 and yellow No. 6 may contain carcinogenic chemicals. Even small quantities of yellow No. 5 have been reported to lead to hyperactivity or sleep disturbances in sensitive children.

Food policy expert Marion Nestle has expressed support for the proposed ban, noting the availability of non-petroleum substitutes that are already widely used in other countries by the same companies that distribute products in the U.S. She highlighted the industry's long-standing promise to eliminate petroleum-based dyes, suggesting that the moment has arrived for action. Nestle characterized this initiative as a straightforward public health measure, while also expressing a desire to see more comprehensive action against ultra-processed foods, which present a more complex challenge.

While these artificial colorings are predominantly found in low-nutrition products such as candies and soft drinks, they can also be present in less vibrant foods, as noted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Consumers looking to avoid these synthetic dyes are encouraged to check food and beverage ingredient labels.