Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Moves to Ban Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Health Risks
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to announce a nationwide plan to phase out petroleum-based artificial food dyes, a move the Department of Health and Human Services calls a "major step forward" in efforts to Make America Healthy Again. The plan targets eight synthetic dyes still approved for use in foods like cereals, candies, snacks, and beverages — ingredients long criticized for links to behavioral problems in children and potential cancer risks in animals.
Kennedy’s push builds on recent actions, including the FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 earlier this year, and comes as several states — including West Virginia and California — have passed or proposed laws to limit or remove artificial dyes from school lunches and other foods. "Plenty of non-petroleum alternative dyes exist and are in use," said nutrition expert Marion Nestle, who also pointed out that companies have already adjusted their products in other countries like the UK and New Zealand.
The phaseout is expected to happen within two years, though the exact enforcement details are still unclear. Kennedy previously told food industry leaders he wanted dyes gone by the end of his four-year term, and Tuesday’s announcement is expected to accelerate that timeline. Critics of artificial dyes argue the chemicals serve no nutritional purpose and simply make processed foods more appealing, especially to children.
