Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a ban on all petroleum-based artificial food dyes, including red dye No. 40, in the nation’s food supply as part of his “Make America healthy again” agenda, with the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA involved in phasing out these dyes.
The FDA had previously revoked its authorization of red dye No. 3, one of nine FDA-approved synthetic dyes made from petroleum, before Biden left office in January.
The big picture: A joint statement from HHS and the FDA outlined the plan to request food companies to stop using red dye No. 3 before the 2027-28 deadline and to phase out six remaining artificial food colorings, including Red No. 40, by the end of the following year.
- Red dye No. 40, also known as Allura Red, is widely used in the U.S. and Canada to enhance the appearance of various food products, with regulatory bodies deeming it safe as long as intake remains below acceptable daily intake levels.
- Synthetic food dyes, including yellow dyes Nos. 5 and 6, blue dyes Nos. 1 and 2, and green dye No. 3, are commonly used in food products due to their cost-effectiveness, although an increasing number of companies are focusing on natural food coloring alternatives.
- Natural food coloring sources like curcumin and carotenes, while derived from natural sources, may present challenges in terms of color vibrancy, production costs, and shelf stability compared to synthetic dyes.
- Synthetic food dyes are prevalent in various foods, including baked goods, dairy products, fruit items, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, with children’s medications often containing these additives.
Go deeper: Research indicates a potential link between synthetic food dyes and behavioral issues in children, with a report by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment suggesting a connection between these dyes and hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems.
- While not all children may be impacted by synthetic dyes, some studies have found a significant link between consuming these dyes and exhibiting poor behavior; red dye No. 40 can potentially cause behavioral disruptions, especially in children, due to its benzene content.
- While synthetic dyes like blue No. 1 or yellow No. 5 are generally considered safe within regulatory limits, they may trigger allergic reactions or behavioral issues in susceptible individuals, prompting a call for more careful consideration of their use.
