The agency is revoking authorization for two of the synthetic colorings.
WASHINGTON—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 22 announced a plan to remove eight artificial dyes from America’s food supply.
Officials said that the government is banning two synthetic colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, which can currently be used to color hot dogs and sausages—and is going to work with companies to eliminate the six other dyes by the end of 2026.
“For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,” Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of the FDA, told a press conference at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington.
He cited a randomized trial that found artificial dyes in the diet resulted in increased hyperactivity in 3-, 8-, and 9-year-olds.
The Consumer Brands Association, which represents food and drink manufacturers, and the International Food Additives Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The FDA lets manufacturers use nine artificial dyes in food and drinks. Many are made from petroleum.
The agency in January banned a ninth dye, Red No. 3, citing concerns about potential carcinogenic effects, but gave food manufacturers until January 2027 to stop using it. Makary said companies should stop using it sooner.
FDAwebpages last updated in 2023 say artificial food additives are generally safe when used in line with FDA regulations.
“The totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them,” one page states.
Additives can cause allergic reactions, including itching and hives, another says.
In a meeting earlier this year with executives from PepsiCo, Tyson Foods, and other major food and drink manufacturers, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. instructed them to remove artificial dyes from their foods within two years.
A PepsiCo representative said at the time that the company is “focused on providing consumers with convenient, affordable, and safe foods and drinks—including more options with natural ingredients, no synthetic colors and reductions in sugar, fat, and sodium.”
