In a bid to protect American consumers, Health Secretary RFK Jr. and the FDA announced a huge change on big food companies by issuing a ban on petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food products by the end of 2026.
See the tweet below.
This “Make America Healthy Again” initiative targets popular snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Skittles, and Mountain Dew Baja Blast that have long exposed American children to potentially harmful chemicals.
The FDA’s announcement targets six synthetic dyes: Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3.
These petroleum-based colorants have been linked to serious health concerns, including hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects, yet they remain widespread in products marketed heavily to younger consumers.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect public health, stated, “For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals.”
The ban follows a previous decision to eliminate Red Dye No. 3 by January 2025 after the FDA found it caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Unlike previous administrations that allowed food companies to continue using potentially dangerous additives, the Trump administration has taken decisive action to clean up America’s food supply.
Major food companies, including PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars, and WK Kellogg, will be forced to reformulate their products to comply with the new standards.
Industry giants have long resisted such changes, knowing that bright artificial colors drive consumer purchases, especially among children.
Moreover, Kennedy has prioritized food quality as central to his mission, pushing back against the enormous influence of both pharmaceutical and food industry lobbyists that previous administrations catered to.
He has already made significant changes to federal health agencies, including necessary staff cuts and suspending ineffective programs.
Interestingly, while some food manufacturers claim transitioning to natural dyes will increase costs, Commissioner Makary directly contradicted this industry talking point.
She declared that phasing out synthetic dyes will not raise food prices, despite the traditionally higher cost of natural alternatives.
To help manufacturers transition, the FDA will authorize four additional natural color additives and expedite the review of others.
Although less vibrant and more sensitive to environmental factors like light and heat, natural alternatives offer safer options for American consumers.
Some companies have already begun using natural dyes in response to growing consumer backlash against artificial ingredients.
However, not all of these transitions have been successful, as consumers have noticed differences in appearance and sometimes rejected reformulated products.
The FDA’s actions are part of a broader effort to address what Makary calls “the child chronic disease epidemic” that has coincided with increased chemical exposure.
A Lancet study cited by Makary provides scientific evidence linking artificial colors to increased hyperactivity in children – information that has been available but ignored by previous administrations.
Ultimately, this decisive action demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to putting Americans first by prioritizing health over corporate profits.
The fluorescent red of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, the brilliant teal of Mountain Dew Baja Blast and the colorful rainbow of Skittles may soon be dimmed as the FDA is set to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of next year, the agency announcedhttps://t.co/spS7OB7xj3
— NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) April 22, 2025
