The US government has announced plans to phase out all artificial food dyes from the food supply by the end of next year. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that companies will have roughly two years to transition to natural alternatives.
Under the plan, the FDA will give the food industry a deadline to remove nine artificial dyes, including Red No. 3 and Citrus Red No. 2, which were banned in January due to concerns over possible cancer risks.
The FDA has approved 36 food dyes, with six being artificial and made from petroleum. The agency will also ask companies to eliminate two more artificial dyes by the end of next year and is working with food companies to phase out the remaining six artificial dyes.
Kennedy’s announcement follows a growing movement to restrict or ban artificial food dyes, which have been linked to behavioral problems in children, including hyperactivity. The FDA has not established a causal link between the dyes and behavioral problems, but Kennedy claims that the dyes are responsible for these issues.
The US is not alone in its efforts to restrict artificial food dyes. Several countries, including Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, have banned or restricted the use of artificial dyes in food products. The FDA will fast-track the review of new “natural” dyes, which can range in shades from deep purple to bright blue.
Industry representatives have expressed concerns about the impact of removing artificial dyes on product safety and consumer convenience. However, Kennedy’s announcement marks a significant step towards reducing the use of artificial food dyes in the US.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-announces-plans-remove-artificial-dyes-nations-food-supply-rcna202184