FDA Launches Tracker for Food Dyes
Families worried about the use of color additives in school lunches, grocery items, and fast food can now visit a new website launched by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This site helps monitor businesses that have committed to reducing these additives.
In April, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans to phase out six petroleum-based food dyes by the end of 2026.
The new “Natural Dye Pledge” website keeps tabs on food manufacturers, retailers, and industry groups that aim to eliminate these color additives, which include FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2.
Companies making the pledge to replace these petrochemical dyes with natural alternatives include well-known names like Mars, McCormick, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Hershey, and Kraft Heinz.
The tracker outlines various commitments, such as burger chains aiming to completely remove food dyes from items like strawberry shakes and lemonade. It also notes ongoing efforts to create dye-free versions of popular candies such as M&M’s and Skittles by 2026.
“Parents and doctors are concerned about petroleum-based food dyes that lack nutritional value,” said FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry. “With rising issues like childhood diabetes, obesity, and ADHD, it makes sense to work together in removing these chemicals, as part of wider efforts to improve healthy eating habits among kids.”
There seems to be broad support for this initiative. Recent polls show that two-thirds of respondents don’t believe that foods with artificial dyes are safe, even if they have FDA approval.
Petroleum-based synthetic food dyes are particularly prevalent in products targeted at children, as they tend to make foods more visually appealing. A 2016 survey indicated that about 94% of people over the age of 2 in the U.S. had consumed products with red dye.
However, a scientific review from HHS noted various health risks tied to these additives, including effects on behavior in children, potential cancer risks, and gastrointestinal issues.
