The FDA, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, is phasing out eight harmful synthetic dyes from the American food supply due to health concerns. The toxic petroleum-based dyes, including Red No. 3 and Yellow No. 5, have been linked to various health issues. The FDA will revoke authorization for two of the dyes immediately and collaborate with food companies to transition toward safer, natural alternatives, with four new natural colorings expected to be approved soon.
"For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals," Makary declared during the announcement at HHS Tuesday.
"If they want to add petroleum, [if] they want to eat petroleum, they ought to add it themselves at home, but they shouldn't be feeding it to the rest of us without our knowledge or consent," Kennedy said.
Health officials also plan to pressure food companies to eliminate Red No. 3 faster than the prior deadline of 2027-2028. Red No. 3, which was approved in 1907 and is found in candy, cakes and cupcakes and frostings, has been linked to cancer and behavioral issues, according to the FDA.
The FDA plans to authorize four natural color alternatives within the next few weeks and accelerate the review of others as part of reform measures.
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