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5d ago

HHS Urges Food Industry to Phase Out Artificial Dyes by 2026

FDA pledges faster approval of natural color alternatives as six synthetic dyes face phase-out and two more await imminent ban.

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A bowl of Froot Loops on May 22, 2024.
If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the bill into law, California will become the first state to prohibit the additives from its school cafeterias.

Overview

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has called on food companies to eliminate all petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, with a preference for natural replacements like beet or carrot juice.
  • The FDA will expedite the review process for natural color additives to support the transition away from artificial dyes.
  • Six synthetic dyes, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, are targeted for phase-out by 2026, while Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B are set for authorization revocation in the coming months.
  • Artificial dyes, widely used in products like Gatorade, Fruit Loops, and Flamin' Hot Cheetos, have been linked to cancer risks in animal studies and potential behavioral impacts in children.
  • Industry groups argue that synthetic dyes are essential for maintaining product consistency and consumer trust, while critics emphasize their lack of nutritional value and health concerns.