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FDA asks food industry to phase out artificial dyes

April 22, 2025 from Food Dive:

• "The FDA on Tuesday requested the food industry to phase out petroleum-based artificial dyes used in everything from sports drinks and yogurt to candy and fruit snacks.
• "The agency, alongside the Department of Health and Human Services, said food companies should voluntarily remove six synthetic dyes by the end of next year. These include Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2. The FDA is also requesting food companies remove Red. No. 3 sooner than the 2027 requirement.
• "The FDA said it will revoke authorization for synthetic food colorings Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B “within the coming months,” according to an announcement. The agency intends to encourage the use of natural alternatives among food companies and is accelerating approval of at least four natural color additives during the next few weeks.

  "The FDA’s announcement stops short of a full ban, sparking disappointment among some food and health watchdogs who had hoped for more decisive action. Dr. Peter G. Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, noted the FDA is only banning 'two rarely used dyes” while largely relying on voluntary commitments from an “unspecified fraction' of the industry

  "The announcement to phase out petroleum-based dyes comes as policies to eliminate artificial colors gain momentum on the state level. Last month, West Virginia signed into law a bill restricting seven artificial dyes from food products sold in the state. Several other states have introduced bills aimed at food additives, including artificial colors, according to the Environmental Working Group

  "Switching away from artificial colors isn’t easy or cheap, however. The International Association of Color Manufacturers, which represents manufacturers of natural and synthetic dyes, said bans will create new hurdles for food manufacturers as replacing dyes with natural alternatives 'is not a simple swap.'

  "Sean McBride, founder of DSM Strategic Communications, said the policy upends years of science-based decisionmaking and will raise costs for the food industry without improving health outcomes."