US Health Department Plans to Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes by 2026

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans on Tuesday to phase out many artificial food colorings by 2026, aiming to work closely with food companies to eliminate synthetic dyes. However, industry lobbyists have stated that no formal agreement is in place to remove the dyes, according to sources familiar with the matter.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the department, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), had an “understanding” with the food industry about removing these artificial colorings voluntarily. Despite this announcement, multiple sources indicated there was no official agreement yet.

The Consumer Brands Association (CBA), which represents food and beverage companies, previously proposed a voluntary phase-out of synthetic dyes. The CBA suggested that companies remove these dyes from foods served in schools and petition the FDA to revoke regulations allowing the use of synthetic dyes by the end of 2025. The proposal also included requests for tariff exemptions and state legislation to avoid a patchwork of regulations.

When questioned about the lack of a formal agreement, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary clarified that there had been “very positive conversations” with industry leaders. He emphasized that food companies were open to phasing out synthetic dyes but preferred a unified approach to avoid state-by-state variations in regulations.

Makary also mentioned that the FDA plans to revoke authorization for two lesser-known dyes, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. However, many food safety advocates expressed disappointment, calling the move insufficient. Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, described the announcement as “less than a nothing burger,” and Consumer Reports warned that voluntary compliance from the food industry has often proven ineffective.

Some companies, such as PepsiCo, have already started removing artificial dyes. For example, PepsiCo recently launched Simply Ruffles Hot & Spicy chips, using tomato powder and red chili pepper for color instead of synthetic dyes.