US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a nationwide ban on eight commonly used synthetic food dyes, citing growing health concerns and a push for food transparency. Two dyes—Red No. 2 and Orange B—will be phased out in the coming months, with the remaining six (including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5) to be removed from the food supply by the end of 2026.
These petroleum-based dyes, found in popular products like M&M’s, Gatorade, and Froot Loops, have been linked to behavioral issues in some children and cancer in animal studies. Kennedy emphasized the need for Americans to “know what’s in their food” and pledged broader reform targeting processed food additives—especially in school meals.
The FDA will introduce four new natural color additives to ease the transition for food companies. Experts point out that many companies already use natural dyes in other countries but continue to use synthetic ones in the US.
The move follows growing momentum in several states, with West Virginia recently banning synthetic food dyes and similar bills under consideration elsewhere.
