Overview

• The FDA and HHS announced a voluntary roadmap to phase out nine petroleum-based synthetic food dyes by 2026, with no binding bans enacted yet.
• The FDA has initiated the process to revoke authorization for two rarely used dyes, citrus red #2 and orange B, while working with industry to address six other dyes.
• Experts argue that the voluntary commitments lack regulatory force and label the announcement as performative rather than substantive action.
• Critics highlight that synthetic dyes are used primarily for marketing in ultra-processed foods targeting children, which pose greater health risks due to high sugar content.
• The scientific evidence linking synthetic dyes to health concerns, including cancer and hyperactivity, remains inconclusive and largely based on high-dose animal studies.