RFK Jr. plans to remove artificial dyes from food and beverages
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday said the government will phase out all artificial dyes from the food supply by the end of next year.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday the government will phase out all artificial dyes from the food supply by the end of next year — a swift timeline that could meet resistance from the powerful food industry.
Under the plan, the Food and Drug Administration will give the food industry roughly two years to transition from petroleum-based synthetic dyes to natural alternatives.
"For companies that are currently using petroleum-based red dye, try watermelon juice or beet juice," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news briefing. "For companies currently combining petroleum-based yellow chemical and red dyes together, try carrot juice."
Makary said the FDA will authorize four new food dyes it says are derived from natural sources in the coming weeks.
The FDA has approved 36 food dyes, nine of which are artificial and made from petroleum. The others are derived from natural sources, like vegetables.
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