RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Announce Phase-Out of Petroleum-Based Food Dyes
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Mary Makary announced a comprehensive plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply.
In a significant move towards healthier food options, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Mary Makary unveiled plans at a Washington, D.C. press conference to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from food products. This initiative, part of the broader ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) movement, aims to address the health concerns linked to these dyes, which have been correlated with conditions ranging from ADHD to cancer.
Dr. Makary emphasized the urgency of the issue, highlighting the drastic increase in synthetic chemical exposure among American children over the past 50 years. He stressed the need for immediate action, stating, “Today, the FDA is taking action to remove petroleum-based food dyes.” The announcement included a timeline to eliminate nine specific dyes from the food supply, with a focus on transitioning to natural alternatives.
Support for the initiative was echoed by wellness advocate Dr. Mark Hyman, who criticized the disparity in food safety standards between the U.S. and Europe. Hyman argued that no parent should have to navigate the complexities of food safety alone, and no doctor should feel powerless against chronic illnesses linked to ultra-processed foods.
Secretary Kennedy Jr. commended food companies for their cooperation and outlined plans for transparency, including the development of an open-source website and apps to help consumers identify compliant products. He also set a four-year target for most products containing these dyes to be removed from the market.
The move has been met with both support and criticism. While some see it as a step forward in public health, others question the feasibility and impact on the food industry. The National Confectioners Association expressed readiness to work with the administration, emphasizing the importance of science-based evaluations in rebuilding consumer trust in food safety.