U.S. to Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes Linked to Neurobehavioral Harm in Children
In a major public health shift, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes used in food and medication—chemicals long linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children.
At a joint press conference, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined six decisive steps the agency is taking to eliminate these toxic additives and transition to safer, natural alternatives.
“Today, the FDA is asking food companies to substitute petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children—as they already do in Europe and Canada,” said Makary.
Why This Matters
Synthetic dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1 have been allowed in U.S. food for decades, despite growing evidence of their impact on children’s developing brains. These dyes are found in thousands of ultra-processed products—often marketed directly to kids.
Research has linked these chemicals to:
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Increased hyperactivity
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Aggressive behavior
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Overeating and obesity
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Potential cancer risks
Makary stressed the need to “err on the side of safety,” urging food companies to act sooner than mandated. Kennedy echoed the urgency, pointing out that 60% of U.S. children now live with chronic disease, compared to just 3% in the 1960s.
FDA’s 6-Step Plan Includes:
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Phasing out six major synthetic dyes by end of 2026.
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Revoking approvals for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B.
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Accelerating approvals for natural color alternatives.
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Partnering with NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for new research on additives and child development.
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Encouraging faster withdrawal of Red No. 3, already linked to cancer.
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Introducing a national standard for dye removal.
In contrast to the U.S., Canada uses natural colouring agents—like watermelon or carrot juice—to meet consumer safety standards. For example, Kellogg’s Froot Loops are made without artificial dyes, whereas in the U.S., the same cereal still contains synthetic colouring.
While Health Canada still permits other artificial dyes in processed foods, this FDA shift will hopefully pressure Canadian authorities to review or strengthen their own food dye regulations.
“Always Listen to the Mom”
Dr. Makary emphasized what many parents have long known: behaviour changes in children often correlate with diet, and removing synthetic dyes can bring dramatic improvements.
“Some parents have observed that these chemicals cause hyperactivity—and even aggressive behaviour—and that it subsides when removed from the diet,” he said.
What’s Next?
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Products with petroleum-based dyes will be off U.S. shelves or clearly labeled within four years.
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Several U.S. states have already passed independent bans.
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Safe food advocates are calling this a long-overdue victory for children’s health and consumer transparency.
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A positive for Canada. Multinational food companies (like Kraft Heinz and General Mills) will need to reformulate their U.S. products. Often, when a company changes an ingredient for one market, they streamline operations by applying those changes globally—potentially leading to cleaner products in Canada without direct regulatory changes.
At CHD Canada, we support this shift and continue to advocate for toxin-free food and full transparency—because parents deserve the truth, and children deserve safe food.
Watch the HHS, FDA Food Dye Press Conference :
Original article from CHD’s The Defender:
Secretary Kennedy’s landmark autism epidemic press conference:
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