The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced plans to remove artificial food dyes from the nation’s food supply, according to a media advisory sent on Monday. The move comes after years of criticism from health experts and advocates.
In January, the FDA banned the use of red dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs. Now, the Trump administration appears poised to take action on a broader set of petroleum-based synthetic dyes used in many foods.
The plan has bipartisan support, with lawmakers in more than half of states pushing to restrict access to artificial dyes. However, industry associations have urged for a consistent federal standard, citing concerns about food safety and compliance with FDA regulations.
The FDA has been criticized for its lack of funding for research on artificial dyes and minimal action taken to regulate them. Health experts say that removing these dyes is a low-hanging fruit, as non-petroleum substitute dyes are already widely used in other countries by the same companies.
The Trump administration’s plan comes after West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed legislation to ban certain synthetic dyes in food, which have been linked to issues with learning and behavior in some children. The Environmental Working Group has tracked a bipartisan push towards a safer food system, with many lawmakers invoking the “MAHA” motto from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of artificial dyes.
As consumers look to avoid artificial dyes, they can check ingredient lists on food and beverage products. While some industry associations have expressed support for the FDA’s guidance, others have urged more action to address concerns about food safety and compliance.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/21/health/food-dye-removed-hhs-wellness/index.html