The FDA and HHS have decided to stop the use of eight artificial food colors by 2026 because they can cause health problems like ADHD and obesity. This includes popular dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5. They will allow natural color options instead. This step will also help the U.S. follow rules that other countries and some U.S. states already have.
On Tuesday, the US FDA and HHS said they will remove eight artificial food colors from foods in the US by the end of 2026. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said they will stop allowing two artificial dyes called Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and also remove six other dyes made from petroleum, like Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3.
Today, the FDA is working to remove food dyes made from petroleum from foods and medicines in the U.S.,” said Dr. Makary. “For 50 years, kids have been exposed to harmful artificial chemicals.” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also spoke at the event and said he is committed to helping solve long-term health problems in children.
Kennedy said that studies have shown artificial dyes may be linked to ADHD, obesity, diabetes, and behavior problems. He stressed the need to remove these harmful chemicals from everyday foods. The FDA also said they will approve four new natural color options and speed up the review of more, showing a move toward safer, plant-based ingredients.
This decision follows an earlier step by the Biden administration in January to ban Red No. 3. It will be removed from foods by 2027 and from medicines by 2028 because it was found to cause cancer in lab animals.
Foods and Products Affected by the FDA Food Dye Ban
The ban focuses on several artificial dyes that are still allowed in the U.S. These dyes are often used in many everyday food and drink items, including:
- Candies like gummy bears, jelly beans, and lollipops.
- Baked goods such as frosted cakes, cookies, and pastries.
- Drinks like fruit-flavored beverages and sodas.
- Snacks including cheese-flavored chips and colorful popcorn.
- Cereals with bright colors, usually aimed at kids.
