Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a major initiative to eliminate synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply. While the move has broad policy implications, the heart of the issue is health. Many of these dyes have been linked to behavioral and physical health problems, especially in children. Now, Americans are being asked to take a closer look at what is actually coloring their food, and whether it is worth the risk.
What Are Synthetic Food Dyes?
Synthetic food dyes are chemical colorings made from petroleum. They are used in processed foods to create vibrant colors that appeal to consumers, especially children. These dyes serve no nutritional purpose. Instead, they are often used to make food appear fresher, fruitier, or more appetizing than it actually is.
Why Are These Dyes Being Phased Out?
Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary say the goal is to remove unnecessary chemicals from the food supply that may be contributing to long-term health problems. Studies have suggested that some synthetic dyes may be linked to issues such as hyperactivity, allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal discomfort, and even cancer.
“For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,” said Makary. “Taking petroleum-based food dyes out of the food supply is not a silver bullet, but it is one important step.”
List of the Eight Synthetic Dyes Targeted for Removal
Here are the dyes the FDA and HHS plan to eliminate, along with their known or suspected health effects:
Red No. 3 (Erythrosine):
Used in candies, cakes, and some medications. Linked to cancer in lab animals and banned from cosmetics decades ago. Still allowed in food until at least 2027.
Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC):
Found in products like Kool-Aid, cereals, and snack cakes. Associated with hyperactivity, migraines, and potential allergic reactions.
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine):
Used in soft drinks and snack foods. May trigger asthma symptoms and has been linked to behavioral problems in children.
Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF):
Common in baked goods, candy, and cereals. Potential allergen and suspected contributor to hyperactivity.
Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF):
Added to ice cream, candy, and beverages. Studies raise concerns about its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially affect nerve cells.
Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine):
Used in gum, cereals, and candy. Linked to brain tumors in animal studies, though evidence is limited.
Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF):
Found in mint-flavored products and canned peas. Some studies suggest links to bladder tumors in lab animals.
Citrus Red No. 2:
Used to color the peel of some Florida oranges. Has shown carcinogenic effects in animal studies.
Orange B:
Permitted only in sausage and hot dog casings. Known to cause liver and bile duct damage in high doses.
What the Experts Say
The California Environmental Protection Agency and other health bodies have concluded that synthetic dyes can negatively affect children’s behavior. Dr. Peter Lurie of the Center for Science in the Public Interest calls the dyes “cosmetic chemicals” that serve no meaningful purpose in food.
“They help make ultraprocessed foods more attractive, especially to children, often by masking the absence of real ingredients like fruit,” said Lurie.
Dr. Mark Hyman, a physician and wellness advocate, added, “Every day, Americans consume thousands of chemicals in our food, many of which have never been independently tested for long-term safety.”
Critics Raise Concerns Over the Ban
Some food industry groups argue that these dyes are safe and approved by regulatory bodies around the world. Melissa Hockstad, president of the Consumer Brands Association, claimed the ingredients “have been rigorously studied and have been demonstrated to be safe.” She expressed concern about supply chain disruptions and higher costs that could result from switching to natural alternatives.
But Kennedy insists that major companies are already responding. “They want clear guidelines,” he said. “They want national leadership.”
A Step Toward Better Health
The dyes targeted for elimination are already banned or carry warning labels in parts of Europe and Canada. U.S. food companies are beginning to reformulate products using natural alternatives such as beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, and even pigments derived from red cabbage or purple sweet potatoes.
Though the full transition will take time, this move could help reduce chemical exposure in everyday diets. It also signals a broader shift toward food transparency and public awareness.
“This is not about politics. It’s about health,” Kennedy said. “If people want to eat petroleum, they can do it at home, but they shouldn’t be fed it without their knowledge.”
As the MAHA movement gains momentum, this push to remove synthetic dyes may mark the beginning of a larger effort to rethink the ingredients in American food—and make choices that support healthier lives for future generations.
