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As the US edges closer to eliminating petroleum-based synthetic dyes from its food supply, the federal government — led by the Trump administration and United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr — is pushing for sweeping reforms that could transform the American food industry.
Artificial dyes, often used to brighten cereals, snacks, candies, and beverages, are under intense scrutiny for potential links to behavioural issues and cancer risks, especially in children.
What are artificial food dyes and why are they controversial?
Artificial food dyes are petroleum-derived chemicals used to add vibrant colours to processed foods and beverages. These include dyes like Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3.
They’re most commonly found in candies, breakfast cereals, sodas and snacks, particularly those marketed to children. Although these dyes contribute nothing to a food’s nutritional value, they have long been used to enhance visual appeal.
Health concerns surrounding artificial dyes have been mounting for decades. Scientific studies have linked certain synthetic dyes to behavioural problems such as hyperactivity and irritability in sensitive children.
Others, like Red No. 3, have shown carcinogenic properties in animal studies, prompting
its ban in food, beverages and ingested drugs earlier this year.
“It’s been obvious from RFK Jr’s statements that this was going to happen. This is an easy one. Non-petroleum substitute dyes are available and used widely in other countries by the same companies that sell products here. Companies have been promising to get rid of the petroleum dyes for years. The time has come,” CNN quoted Marion Nestle, a prominent food policy researcher.
“Make America Healthy Again” campaign
The push to remove artificial food dyes is part of Kennedy’s broader public health initiative called “Make America Healthy Again.”
The US Department of Health and Human Services, under the Trump administration, has outlined plans to eliminate synthetic colourings from the US food supply.
This effort also aims to overhaul the FDA’s current food additive approval process, which allows companies to self-certify ingredients as safe — a practice critics argue is outdated and too lenient.
At a March 2025 meeting with food industry leaders, Kennedy made clear that voluntary compliance was not enough: “American children should not be eating food that’s banned in Europe. It’s time for change.”
He has asked companies such as PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and Kellogg’s to eliminate synthetic dyes from their products before the end of his tenure. Failure to do so could result in federal mandates.
Industry-wide push for a unified policy
Several states have already enacted legislation banning certain artificial dyes, reflecting bipartisan concern over their safety.
West Virginia, for example, passed a law banning seven synthetic food dyes, effective 2028, following in California’s footsteps, which prohibited several artificial colourings from school meals in 2023.
Industry groups are also pushing for a unified national policy to avoid a confusing patchwork of state regulations. The Consumer Brands Association and the National Confectioners Association have urged the FDA to assert its authority in setting clear, consistent national standards.
“Food safety is the number one priority for US confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDA’s guidance and safety standards,” the National Confectioners Association said.
CNN quoted John Hewitt, senior vice president of state affairs at the Consumer Brands Association, who added earlier this year that the FDA should “aggressively acknowledge its responsibility as the nation’s food safety regulator.”
What this means for big brands
As the US moves to align with food safety practices seen in Europe, major food manufacturers will need to reformulate some of their best-known products. Many companies have already taken partial steps, but the impending ban may force full-scale changes.
PepsiCo has pledged to offer products with no synthetic dyes and reduced sugar, fat, and sodium.
WK Kellogg noted that 85 per cent of its cereal sales already come from dye-free products.
Nestlé, General Mills and Mars, Inc. may need to overhaul products like Nesquik, Froot Loops, and M&M’s to meet stricter standards.
Jerold Mande, a former senior FDA adviser and public health professor, noted: “Overweight is the primary food cause of cancer… Thus, we must regulate the use of both synthetic and natural colours as well as flavours that allow food companies to transform powders and sludges into calorically dense, hyperpalatable ultra-processed ‘foods’ that are making us and our children sick.”
Experts like Marion Nestle argue that these dyes serve no meaningful purpose beyond appearance and can be replaced, as companies have already done in countries like the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
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With inputs from agencies
