Overview

• The FDA and HHS announced a plan to phase out nine petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5.
• Authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B will be revoked in the coming months, with six other dyes set to be eliminated through industry cooperation.
• Four new natural color additives will be approved in the coming weeks, with accelerated reviews for additional alternatives to support the transition.
• The National Institutes of Health will partner with HHS to research the effects of food additives on children’s health and development.
• The initiative relies on voluntary compliance from food manufacturers, raising concerns about the lack of formal enforcement mechanisms.