The administration of Donald Trump announced on Tuesday its intention to eliminate all artificial food dyes currently allowed in the United States, a decision that has received support from health experts.
Marty Makary, the newly appointed head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), stated at a press conference that the agency will systematically remove all petroleum-derived food colorants from the market. In total, eight synthetic dyes, all derived from petroleum and associated with negative health effects, will be gradually phased out by the end of 2026.
“For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic suit of synthetic chemicals,” he remarked earlier, referencing studies that link these additives to hyperactivity, diabetes, and even cancer.
Among the dyes being targeted, “Red 40” (known as E129 in Europe) and the yellows “Yellow 5” (E102) and “Yellow 6” (E110) are among the most widely used by the food industry, according to Peter Lurie, president of the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). These dyes have been detected in thousands of diverse food products, including candies, cereals, sauces, and beverages.
