Robert Kennedy Jr. to Announce Ban on Artificial Food Dyes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will announce plans on Tuesday to phase out the use of certain artificial food dyes in the United States. This initiative aims to improve public health as part of the Administration’s campaign to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specific details about the phase-out will be revealed at a press conference scheduled for 4 PM ET. The synthetic dyes targeted are widely used in various food products, including cereals, candies, and snacks, and have been linked to potential health risks for children.

Many artificial food dyes, such as Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 6, are derived from petroleum and have been criticized for their safety. Studies suggest these dyes may contribute to neurological problems in some children, raising concerns within the food industry and among health advocates.

“Food dyes help make ultra-processed foods more attractive, especially to children,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “We don’t need synthetic dyes in the food supply, and no one will be harmed by their absence.”

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red Dye 3 due to its association with cancer in animal testing. Former President Joe Biden’s administration initiated this ban, which will remove the dye from food by January 2027 and from medications by 2028. Following this trend, Kennedy aims to eliminate other petroleum-based dyes that remain approved for use.

States like West Virginia have already enacted laws banning synthetic dyes. The recent ban there will take effect in August, making it the first U.S. state to implement such regulations. Following suit are California and several others considering similar measures.

Critics of the planned ban, including the National Confectioners Association, argue that removing these dyes could complicate production processes and lead to higher grocery prices. They advocate for changes grounded in concrete scientific evidence that can be consistently applied nationwide.

The impending announcement by Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary is viewed by many as an essential step in enhancing food safety and protecting public health.