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RFK Jr. Pushes to Eliminate Artificial Dyes and Tighten Food Safety Regulations

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targets synthetic dyes and the GRAS loophole, aiming to reform the U.S. food system for improved safety and public health.

Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends U.S. President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as Health Secretary, has announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes from the U.S. food supply, citing health concerns and chronic disease links.
  • Kennedy directed the FDA to revise the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) policy, which currently allows companies to self-certify the safety of food additives without regulatory oversight.
  • The food industry has expressed cautious support, with major companies like PepsiCo and WK Kellogg describing initial discussions with Kennedy as productive but raising concerns about supply and consumer demand for natural alternatives.
  • Advocates for food safety have praised Kennedy’s initiative, highlighting the potential for increased transparency and consumer protection in the food system.
  • The proposed changes align with Kennedy’s broader ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda, though implementation challenges, including regulatory timelines and FDA resource needs, remain significant.