FDA to Phase Out ‘Petroleum-Based’ Dyes from US Food System
- The Earth & I Editorial Team
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
RFK Jr.: ‘Get these toxic dyes out of the foods our families eat’
It isn’t easy being a food dye named FD&C Green No. 3. That’s because on April 22, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an initiative to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the US food supply by the end of 2026. This move aims to address growing health concerns associated with these additives, particularly their potential impact on children's health.
According to ABC News, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary told reporters at a news conference that “the FDA is taking action to remove petroleum-based food dyes from the US food supply and from medications. For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said that “four years from now, we're going to have most of these products off the market, or you will know about them when you go to the grocery store.”
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Why Phase Them Out?
Petroleum-based food dyes, such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, have been linked to various health issues, including hyperactivity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and potential carcinogenic effects. For instance, Red No. 3 has been associated with cancer in animal studies, leading to its ban in 2023. The FDA's decision to phase out these dyes is part of a broader effort to reduce children's exposure to potentially harmful substances in food.
How Are These Dyes Produced?
In a recent article in Prevention, Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, explained that “petroleum-based food dyes are synthetic color additives derived from crude oil.”
“They’re manufactured in a lab through a multi-step chemical process and are used to enhance the appearance of processed foods, making products more vibrant or consistent in color,” he added.
Petroleum-based compounds, like benzene, are commonly used in the production of artificial food dyes, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying benzene as “carcinogenic to humans.”
Which Dyes Are Affected?
The FDA plans to revoke the authorization for two rarely used synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months. Additionally, the agency aims to eliminate six other synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026. According to the New York Post, these dyes include FD&C Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2.
According to Prevention, petroleum-based food dyes can be found in a variety of food types, including candy, baking decorations, packaged frostings and icings, ice cream cones, frozen dairy desserts, meal replacement drinks and bars, cookies, toaster pastries, ice pops, certain baby foods, sports drinks, some supplements, and some medications. They can also be found in some packaged cereals in the US.
Who Supports the Ban?
Consumer advocacy groups and public health organizations have largely supported the FDA's decision. A survey by CivicScience found that 79% of US adults “at least “somewhat support” the phase-out of artificial food dyes, with parents of older children showing particularly strong approval. According to verywellhealth, Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said “the bright colors send a message especially to kids that the product is appealing, leading them to potentially consume high amounts of foods that are laden with sugar and can contribute to obesity and other health issues."
Will There Be Opposition?
"There are animal studies that show that food dyes have been associated to outcomes such as cancer," said ABC News Medical Correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton. "But the FDA maintains that these studies have not shown sufficient evidence that that harm could be effected in humans."
"When you look at the overall evidence, it is difficult to see a clear cause and effect. But if there's no clear benefit when adding something like a food additive other than making food look better, then many argue let's just simply take it out," Sutton said.
The Road Ahead
The FDA's initiative represents a significant step toward reformulating the US food supply to prioritize health and safety. While the transition to natural color additives may present challenges, the move aligns with similar actions taken by other nations, such as within the European Union, which has implemented warning labels on foods containing certain synthetic dyes, namely Red 40, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5. As the phase-out progresses, ongoing research and collaboration between regulatory agencies, the food industry, and public health organizations will help ensure the successful implementation of this policy.
“For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent,” Kennedy said in the FDA press release. “These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development. That era is coming to an end. We’re restoring gold-standard science, applying common sense, and beginning to earn back the public’s trust. And we’re doing it by working with industry to get these toxic dyes out of the foods our families eat every day.”
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