FDA to Phase Out Artificial Dyes: What You Need to Know
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a major policy shift that will affect some of the most colorful snacks on store shelves.
Popular items like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Skittles, and Mountain Dew Baja Blast will soon be reformulated as the FDA phases out petroleum-based synthetic dyes.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. FDA Will Ban Artificial Food Dyes by the End of 2026
The FDA plans to eliminate six synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of next year.
This includes:
- Red 40
- Yellow 5
- Yellow 6
- Blue 1
- Blue 2
- Green 2
Red Dye 3, previously given a longer timeline, is now also expected to be phased out by the end of 2026.
2. Popular Snacks and Cereals Will Be Impacted
This policy directly affects products that rely on vibrant synthetic colors, including:
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- Skittles
- Trix Cereal
- Mountain Dew Baja Blast
- Froot Loops
And many more from brands like PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars, and WK Kellogg.
3. FDA Encouraging Natural Alternatives
The FDA recommends that food manufacturers switch to natural coloring options, such as:
- Watermelon juice
- Beet juice
- Carrot juice
These alternatives, while often more expensive, are considered safer for long-term health.
4. Why the Change? Health Concerns and Consumer Pressure
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary cited growing evidence linking artificial dyes to hyperactivity in children and other health concerns.
The move follows years of pressure from health advocates and consumer groups.
5. No Formal Ban Yet, But a “National Standard” Is Coming
Though there isn’t a strict ban in place, the FDA and food industry have an understanding.
The agency plans to enforce a national timeline and is exploring all available tools to ensure compliance.
6. Kennedy Administration Pushes the “Make America Healthy Again” Agenda
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is leading the charge, claiming food and drug industry corruption has made Americans less healthy.
He aims to prioritize nutrition over pharmaceuticals.
7. Some Brands Already Moving Away from Synthetic Dyes
In past years, companies like Kraft Heinz reformulated products like mac and cheese to use natural dyes.
Others, like General Mills, temporarily switched but reverted due to poor consumer response.
8. McCormick and Other Ingredient Companies Are Seeing a Surge
Companies that help food brands reformulate recipes are now in high demand. McCormick has reported an uptick in activity as more manufacturers look to replace synthetic colors and reduce sodium.
9. Will Prices Go Up? Not Necessarily
While natural colors are generally more costly to produce, Makary claims this shift shouldn’t significantly impact consumer prices, pointing to other countries where similar changes have been implemented successfully.
10. Timeline for the Transition
- Spring 2025: FDA begins revoking authorization of synthetic dyes
- End of 2025: Red Dye 3 phased out
- End of 2026: Remaining six dyes removed from market
- Ongoing: Approval and rollout of natural dye alternatives
FDA to Phase Out Artificial Dyes: What You Need to Know was originally published on roneb1057.staging.go.ione.nyc