Timeline Unveiled: HHS and FDA Plan to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Food Dyes for a Healthier Future

The U.S. is taking an important step towards healthier food choices for children. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from food products. This shift aligns with practices in Europe and Canada, where natural dyes are already being used.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary shared that the agency is asking food companies to make this change. The goal is to encourage the use of safer, natural ingredients instead of synthetic ones.

The FDA will start by revoking the approval for two synthetic dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B. They aim to phase out six additional dyes, including popular ones like FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 5, by the end of 2026. In fact, FD&C Red No. 3 will need to be removed even sooner than expected.

To support the food industry during this transition, the FDA plans to expedite the approval process for four new natural color additives. These include options like gardenia blue and butterfly pea flower extract. The agency also promises to offer guidance and regulatory flexibility to help manufacturers adapt.

This initiative responds to growing concerns about food additives and their impact on children’s health. Recently, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics indicated that artificial food colors might be linked to increased hyperactivity in children. Parents and health experts have expressed support for transitioning to natural alternatives.

Moreover, the FDA plans to collaborate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how these additives affect children’s development. This partnership highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring safer food for future generations.

For more detailed information, visit the FDA press release.

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