Overview

• The FDA announced in April plans to revoke authorization for six dyes—including Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1—by the end of 2026 and will collaborate with industry on their removal.
• A study published in June found 19% of nearly 40,000 packaged foods and drinks contain synthetic dyes; Red 40 appeared in 14% of products, and those marketed to children were over twice as likely to include them.
• Products containing synthetic dyes averaged 141% more sugar than those without additives, suggesting colorings are used to market high-sugar foods to children.
• Nestlé pledged to eliminate artificial colors by mid-2026, joining Conagra’s year-end goal for frozen foods and General Mills’ and Kraft Heinz’s 2026–2027 reformulation timelines.
• Consumer groups such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest are urging mandatory warning labels on dyed products as states including California, West Virginia and Texas enact school bans or label requirements.